ACROSS Scheme (Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modeling Observing Systems & Services Scheme)

The ACROSS scheme stands for Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modeling Observing Systems & Services which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs with the approval for prolongation of the nine sub-schemes which is known as the umbrella scheme with a period of 2017 to 2020. The primary aim of the program is to improve the quality of weather and climate forecast via proper interpretations along with strong R&D.

This scheme relates to the unique science projects by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The main objective is to offer trustworthy climate and weather predictions for the improvement of humankind. This also focuses on enhancing skills of climate and weather predictions via proper observations and rigorous research and development. This scheme contains nine sub-projects which are associative and incorporative, and these will be executed in an integrated manner. It obtains to concentrate on various aspects of the climate and weather services, which consists of storm surges, thunderstorms, heat waves and alerts regarding the cyclone. Every one of these components is integrated with the nine schemes.

Objective

  • The ACROSS scheme focuses on providing trustworthy climate and weather predictions for the enhancement of society.
  • This aims at upgrading the skill of climate and weather estimation via proper intensive observations and research.
  • This will improve the efficiency in distribution and transmission approach to guarantee the timely reach and connection with the end-user of services such as Aviation services, climate services, tourism, Agro-meteorological services, etc. 
  • This will collaborate with numerous organizations
  • It integrates with the number of agencies like the Krishi Vigayan Kendras of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, local municipalities and institutions for flawless and last-minute connection in broadcasting the data related to weather and climate.

Implementation

The Ministry of Earth Sciences will execute the ACROSS scheme via its organizations named Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, India Meteorological Department, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service and National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting.

National Facility for Airborne Research

The airborne program will be estimated as the national facility, which will provide all kinds of scientific requirements of the numerous domestic exploration and educational organizations of the country. The project will be regulated under the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, which is an independent organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. 

  • Cloud-Aerosol Interaction studies
  • Direct -Indirect aerosol effect
  • Air Pollution studies- Megacities/Urban
  • Radiation studies
  • Coastal pollution studies
  • Urban visibility studies
  • Flood/ Forestry/ City modeling
  • Cloud microphysics and precipitation process studies

Utilization of Aircrafts

The aircraft for the research will be used all around the year for unique activities such as:

  • December to May: Aerosol measurement for North India, Himalayan
  • October to November: Cyclone research on the Bay of Bengal
  • June to September: Measurement of Indian landmass region and adjacent seas during the monsoon season.

Benefits

  • This scheme will offer better weather and climate prediction along with ocean forecasts. It also guarantees adequate added benefits to the other numerous services.

  • It will provide a considerable amount of technical and scientific staff with the required managerial support, which will eventually lead to employment.

  • A significant number of organizations will also be assembled such as Krishi Vigyan Kendra of ICAR, local municipalities and universities which will help in ensuring last-minute connectivity to the services about weather to the en-user. This will also help in creating a lot of employment opportunities.

Prestigious institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences

India Meteorological Department 

This independent institution was set up in 1975. It is known as the National Meteorological Service of India and the primary governmental bureau which deals with subjects related to seismology, meteorology and allied topics.

The National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting 

This is an organization for the Centre of Excellence in Weather and Climate Modeling. This Centre aims to continually build up superior statistical weather forecast systems which also come with improved consistency and precision in all over India and all the neighboring areas by rigorous, intensive research, advancement and display of modern and innovative applications, which will preserve the maximum level of knowledge, proficiency and scientific bases.

System Science Organization Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service 

This autonomous institution was established in 1999, and it is a part of the Earth System Science Organization. It is mandatory to offer the best probable information on the climate of the ocean and counseling services to the government, industries, various scientific communities and the society after doing rigorous research, observations and regular improvements after doing systematic and steady research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the ACROSS scheme?

The ACROSS scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs with the primary aim to improve the quality of weather and climate forecast via proper interpretations along with strong research and development.

Q. When was the ACROSS scheme launched?

The ACROSS scheme was launched on 23 November 2018.

Q. What was the budget of this scheme?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs with the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the continuation of the Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modeling Observing Systems & Services or ACROSS  with the budget of INR 1450 crore.

Q. What will be the impact of the scheme?

This main impact of the scheme will be concentrating on various aspects of the climate and weather services, which consists of storm surges, thunderstorms, heat waves and alerts regarding the cyclone. Every one of these components is integrated with the nine schemes.

Q. What is the budget for NFAR?

The budget for NFAR will be INR 130 crore for 2020 to 2021.

Q. What is the main objective of the scheme?

The main objective of the scheme is to improve the quality of weather and climate forecast via proper interpretations along with rigorous development.

Q. What is the main benefit of the scheme?

The main benefit of the scheme is generating employment opportunities with providing proper prediction on weather and climate.