ACROSS scheme

Why in news?

• Cabinet approves Continuation of the umbrella scheme ‘Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)’ from the 14th Finance Commission to the next Finance Commission Cycle (2021-2026), along with its eight sub-schemes to the next finance cycle of five years i.e. 2021-2026

About ACROSS:

• ACROSS scheme pertains to the atmospheric science programs of Ministry of Earth Sciences and addresses different aspects of weather and climate services.

Implementation Strategy:

• The eight sub-schemes under the ACROSS scheme are multi-disciplinary in nature and will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through its units namely India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF); Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).

Eight sub-schemes under the ACROSS:

• Commissioning of Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs)
• Upgradation of Forecast System
• Weather & Climate Services
• Atmospheric Observations Network
• Numerical Modelling of Weather and Climate
• Monsoon Mission
• Monsoon     Convection,     Clouds      and      Climate      Change    
• High Performance Computing System

Benefits of the Scheme:

• The scheme will provide improved weather, climate and ocean forecast and services, thereby ensuring transfer of commensurate benefits to the end -user through various services like Public weather service, Agro-meteorological Services, Aviation services, Environmental monitoring services, Hydro-meteorological services, climate services, tourism, pilgrimage, power generation, water management etc.
• The whole process from generation of forecast to its delivery requires considerable manpower at every stage, thereby generating employment opportunities to many people.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements about Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services (ACROSS):

1. It is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Central Government.

2. The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 Only

(b) 2 Only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer