Planning & Development Department, Government of Bihar
dir-bmsk@bihar.gov.in

Introduction

Bihar Mausam Sewa Kendra (BMSK)

Introduction

Bihar Mausam Sewa Kendra (BMSK), established under the Planning and Development Department, is an ambitious initiative of the Bihar Government to provide accurate and actionable weather services to the people of Bihar.

The core activity of BMSK includes monitoring variations in weather conditions, collecting and analysing high spatiotemporal resolution weather data, detecting and tracking hazard-inducing factors, identifying and mapping vulnerable areas, generating High-precision weather forecasts and location and time-specific early warning about impending extreme weather events, and disseminating the relevant weather information to the end-users in a simple idiom and frequency that a common man can comprehend and use.

Significance & Relevance

Weather is the foundation of sustainable development. Extreme weather events derail development momentum and reverse decades of progress. Precise early warnings with sufficient lead time about impending extreme weather events help protect lives and livelihoods, safeguard critical infrastructure, optimize agricultural output, minimize property losses, manage water and energy resources, and protect public health. The efficient weather service enables communities and policymakers to mitigate systemic risks, ensuring that economic growth does not compromise the environment or future resources.

With the increasing frequency and intensity of weather-related hazards such as floods, heatwaves, cold waves, hailstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, and fog, BMSK services are increasingly relevant for protecting human lives and livestock, enhancing disaster preparedness, reducing vulnerability, and strengthening climate resilience across the state.

Weather Monitoring & Forecasting

Variation in weather conditions in Bihar is closely monitored through a dense network of GPRS-enabled Solar Powered Weather Monitoring Stations, comprising Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in all the Blocks and Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) in all the Panchayats. The weather data collected and analyzed in near-real time for detecting hazard-inducing factors, identifying vulnerable areas.

High-spatiotemporal-resolution weather forecasts are generated using an AI-ML-integrated Multi-Model Ensemble developed in close collaboration with SAC-ISRO.

Alerts and Early Warning Service

The BMSK issues Alerts and early warnings to the end-users about:

  • Thunderstorms and lightning
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Heatwave and Discomfort
  • Fog density
  • Cold-wave and Windchill

The Alerts and Early Warnings with long lead time are tailored to specific vulnerable geographical areas to ensure the information is accessible, actionable, and life-saving. These warnings enable authorities and individuals to take anticipatory action before disasters, implement safety measures, manage resources, initiate evacuations, and reduce casualties and damage.

Sector-Specific Advisories

Beyond forecasts, BMSK focuses on translating weather data into actionable advisories. These are tailored for key sectors such as:

  • Agriculture & Horticulture (crop planning, irrigation scheduling, PCC application)
  • Disaster Management (Addressing risks, Planning evacuation, Resource Management)
  • Public Health (heat and coldwave impact management, Dos and Don'ts)
  • Transport (Fog density, Low visibility Alert)
  • Tourism (Travel Planning, taking precautions, Dos and Don'ts)

Data Integration & Analysis

BMSK integrates data from multiple sources, including:

  • Satellite observations
  • Ground-based weather stations (IoT)
  • Global forecasting models

Advanced data processing and analysis techniques are used to enhance the precision and reliability of observations and forecasts.

Public Outreach

BMSK has taken up the “Weather Literacy” mission to educate, engage, share weather-related information, gather feedback, and drive social change. Last-mile connectivity is a key priority. Weather information is disseminated bilingually (Hindi and English) through:

  • Mobile applications and Web portal
  • GIS-enabled interactive Weather Dashboard
  • Digital and Social Media Platforms
  • Bulletins and Reports
  • Awareness campaigns through Exhibitions, Posters, Flyers, Audio-visuals, and Interactive Infographics

Collaborations & Partnerships

BMSK works in close collaboration with leading National and International Academic, R&D and Operational institutions to develop innovative solutions and apply advanced technological tools to efficiently and effectively manage Hydro-Meteorological Hazards in Bihar. These partnerships have enabled BMSK to integrate cutting-edge technology, research insights, and best practices in Weather Services and Disaster Risk Reduction.

Innovation

BMSK has indigenously designed, developed, and operationalised:

  • A Multi-Hazard Early Warning Architecture (MEWA) for generating and issuing event-specific Early Warning with long lead time
  • An Analog-ensemble (AN-En) Fog Forecast Model
  • AI-ML integrated WRF Model-ensemble
  • A GIS-enabled, dynamic, and interactive Weather Dashboard for intuitive communication


Technological tools, viz. Satellite-based Remote Sensing, High-Performance Computing, AI/ML tools, and Geographical Information System (GIS) Techniques and Tools are employed to develop and customize the products.

Through its services, BMSK is striving to contribute towards:

Boost public awareness on weather risks and precautions
Improved disaster preparedness and response
Protect lives and reduce loss and damage to critical infrastructure and property
Avert damage to Farm produce and enhance productivity

By transforming complex meteorological data into meaningful insights, BMSK empowers individuals, communities, and institutions to make informed decisions.