Policy Insight
Prashail Tripathi
BACKGROUND
The Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) scheme is one of the five schemes that have been merged together under a unified umbrella scheme of the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, collectively known as the “Prithvi Gyan (PRITHVI)” scheme.
It was introduced formally in the year 2012 as part of the 12th Five Year Plan cycle (2012-2017)
The most recent phase of the ACROSS scheme was approved in December 2021 for continuation till 2026, with a total financial outlay of ₹2,135 crore. It is part of the 4797 crore PRTHVI scheme approved by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The elements of the ACROSS scheme are incorporated as sub-schemes within the broader initiative and are carried out by four different organizations under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES): the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), which undertakes a small part of one of the sub-schemes.
The other four schemes, under the PRITHVI scheme are –
1. O – SMART, acronym for Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology.
2. PACER, acronym for Polar Science and Cryosphere Research.
3. SAGE, which stands for Seismology and Geosciences, and;
4. REACHOUT acronym for Research, Education, Training and Outreach
Source: https://shorturl.at/bsMYV
FUNCTIONING
The ACROSS (Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services) initiative is an important project of the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences aimed at delivering real-time information on global weather and climate. Its objective is to improve weather and climate forecasting by enhancing observational systems and promoting research and development in atmospheric and climate science. Furthermore, the program includes the dissemination of forecasts and recommendations to various stakeholders for societal benefit.
The objectives of the ACROSS scheme include:
1. Install and sustain state of the art weather observing systems to monitor climate and ocea parameters.
2. Create and distribute a collection of weather and climate information, alerts, warnings, data, and data products to different stakeholders to benefit society.
3. Conduct research and development activities to enhance and develop the ability to predict weather, climate, and hazard-related phenomena for the benefit of society, the economy, and the environment.
4. Conduct research and development pertaining to the science of climate change and provide climate services.
5. A Lightning Location Network has been established, with sensors put in 83 locations across the country. The DAMINI LIGHTNING ALERT Mobile App was developed and launched in May 2020.
Source: https://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1637828361_image6.png
PERFORMANCE
ADOPTION
The initiative has resulted in considerable advancements in weather predictions, with skill upgradation between 40% and 50% in recent years. This includes advancements in cyclone prediction and the development of a high-resolution air quality early warning system for Delhi.
ACROSS has focused on enhancing the observational network nationwide, incorporating the deployment of Doppler Weather Radars (DWR) and High Wind Speed Recorders (HWSR).
The evolution in weather forecasting has benefited several sectors, including agriculture, aviation, tourism, and power, by lowering the loss of lives and property.
The scheme also helps to understand and solve climate change by conducting atmospheric research, climate modelling, and developing climate services.
Source: https://yojnaias.com/prithvi-vigyan-scheme/
CHALLENGES
1. India still faces problems in setting up high-density observational systems in remote, mountainous and oceanic terrains. This affects the quality and accuracy of the data rendered.
2. Many of the meteorological instruments and radar systems used by the scientists are archaic, requiring frequent updation, which hampers the progress of the project.
3. Although fairly improved, the dynamic models still linger, when compared to international standards.
4. While MoES has received more financing, the needs of ACROSS (which includes many sub-schemes such as IMD, NCMRWF, INCOIS, and others) frequently exceed available resources, compromising implementation deadlines.
5. There’s a persistent shortage of trained meteorologists, oceanographers, climate modelers, and data scientists to work in specialized domains.
6. Climate change has also outpaced the existing forecasting capacity of the project, for the worse.
IMPACT
1. India’s enhanced time for tropical cyclone prediction has improved from 24–48 hours to 72–96 hours, with better track and intensity predictions, with formidable examples in the form of the early prediction for cyclones Fani (2019), Amphan (2020) and Yaas (2021).
2. Models flourished under the Monsoon Mission (a sub-program of ACROSS) enhanced seasonal forecasts, helping the agribusinesses and also in water management.
3. Agromet Services has a reach of approximately 23 million farmers through SMS, mobile apps, radio, and television.
4. INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services) provides services of vital importance, which help in coastal security, yield optimization of the fishery and also disaster preparedness for coastal communities.
5. Global advanced weather prediction models and an Ensemble Prediction System have been established to generate deterministic and probabilistic forecasts with a high horizontal resolution of 12 km. Regional models with better resolution have also been created.
6. Thunderstorm warning for 1022 stations covered all over the country as nowcast basis (3hrs forecast).
7. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has developed an Earth System Model (ESM) for the first time. The IITM-ESM will be the first climate model from India that participated in the Coupled Modeling Intercomparison Project-Phase 6 (CMIP6) experiments required for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report.
EMERGING CHALLENGES
1. While regional forecasts have improved, granular, hyper-local forecasts at district/block and urban and rural neighborhood levels are still limited.
2. Finer-resolution models for better assessment are needed.
3. Better amalgamation with the Global Information System and the Global Positioning System, and required databases, is required.
4. Last mile connectivity and Accessibility to assist the vulnerable agricultural and marine farmers.
5. Integration with National and State Disaster Management Agencies, and closely operating with them during times of distress.
6. Unified data sharing among the various branches of the ACROSS.
WAY FORWARD
A pragmatic way to address the pertaining issues and enhance the effectiveness of the scheme, some of the following strategies may be employed:
1. A huge shift from general forecast to specific, pin-point forecasts of the affected or studied location.
2. Development and subsequent deployment of better weather models that would assist in better understanding of the geography of a particular area.
3. Employing “ACROSS” across State and National Distater Management Authorities.
4. Strengthening last mile connectivity.
REFERENCES
1.Press Information Bureau. (2024, June 27). Cabinet approves continuation of ACROSS scheme for weather and climate services. Press Information Bureau, Government of India. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1942908
2.Ministry of Earth Sciences. (2021, March 23). Unstarred question no. 3072: ACROSS scheme. Government of India. https://moes.gov.in/sites/default/files/En_23032021_RS_USQ_No_3072.pdf
3.India Science, Technology & Innovation Portal. (n.d.). Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Govt. of India. https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/listingpage/ministry-earth-sciences-moes-govt-india
4. Press Information Bureau. (2024, July 3). Cabinet approves continuation of ACROSS scheme under Ministry of Earth Sciences. Press Information Bureau, Government of India. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112795
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Prashail Tripathi has completed his post graduation (M.A) in National Security Studies from the Central University of Jammu. He has been affiliated with IMPRI as a Policy Research Intern since June 2025. His core interests include understanding current geopolitical scenarios, civil-military relations of India’s neighbouring countries, energy security and International Relations.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author extends sincere gratitude to Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja for her invaluable guidance and mentorship throughout the research process.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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