| WEATHER SERVICES IN INDIA |
|
INTRODUCTION |
|
The India Meteorological Department was organised in 1875 as a centralised agency for the whole of India with the object of systematic study of climate and meteorology and application of the knowledge thus acquired to issue weather forecasts and storm and other warnings. Though meteorological observation with the aid of instruments was in vogue from 1796, its application for economic activities began only later with the issue of first seasonal forecast of monsoon rainfall in 1886. Towards the end of 19th century, geomagnetic, astrophysical and seismological observations were also amalgamated with the Department of Meteorology. This Department has grown steadily and now has a highly improved cyclone warning arrangement. Its service to the cause of aviation, agriculture, shipping, irrigation and town planning is also praiseworthy. About 500 surface observatories and a large number of upper air stations, radars and other sophisticated equipments enable the Department to discharge its functions. Most of the instruments required are manufactured in the workshops of the Department. As a member of the World Meteorological Organisation, the Indian Meteorological Department has made significant contribution to its activities and has made available to other countries the services of experts in weather services. The Posts and Telegraphs Department are happy to mark the centenary of the Indian Meteorological Department by the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp. DESCRIPTION OF DESIGN : The design depicts the stylized illustration of the weather in the back ground and the line drawing of weather cock overlapping the illustration. TERMS OF SALE : Overseas orders for the supply of the new stamps and First Day Covers should be addressed to the Indian Philatelic Bureau, G.P.O., Bombay-400001 and be accompanied by a Bank draft or crossed cheque encashable in India. |
|
This list was prepared by Dr. Jinadatha |