Bharat Forecast System (BharatFS)

08 Aug 2025 GS 2 Govt schemes & initiatives

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What it is: India’s indigenous high-resolution global weather prediction model designed for real-time forecasts at the cluster of panchayats level, improving extreme weather prediction.
Technology: Uses Triangular Cubic Octahedral (TCo) dynamical grid with 6 km horizontal resolution – better than the earlier GFS T1534 (~12 km) and most global models (9–14 km).
Supercomputing Support: Powered by Arka (IITM-Pune) and Arunika (NCMRWF-Noida), reducing runtime from ~12 hours to 3–6 hours.
Performance:
- 30% higher accuracy in forecasting extreme rainfall over core monsoon regions.
- Significantly improved rainfall prediction in research trials.
Applications:
- Localised weather forecasts for farmers (crop planning, irrigation, harvesting).
- Support for water authorities in reservoir management and flood prevention.
- Faster and more targeted disaster response.
Strategic Importance:
- Designed for Indian geography (Himalayas, Western Ghats).
- Developed by IITM-Pune, NCMRWF-Noida, and IMD under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Strengthens regional leadership, supports neighbouring countries, and furthers Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India goals.