Mission Mausam Urban Test Bed Facility (Chennai) Inaugurated at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
On 13th October 2025, the Mission Mausam Urban Test Bed Facility – Chennai was officially inaugurated at the Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Chennai, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. This landmark initiative strengthens India’s commitment to advancing climate science and enhancing resilience under the vision of a “Weather Ready and Climate Smart Nation.”
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, as Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Hon’ble Chancellor, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, and Dr. A. Suryachandra Rao, Director, IITM, Pune.
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The event also witnessed the presence of several eminent scientists and dignitaries including: Dr. Thara Prabhakaran, Scientist G & Project Director, Mission Mausam, IITM Pune; Prof. Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director, NIOT; Dr. R. S. Kankara, Director, NCCR; Dr. B. Amudha, Head, IMD-RMC, Chennai; Dr. T.V.S. Udaya Bhaskar, Scientist G, INCOIS, Hyderabad
A State-of-the-Art Climate Monitoring Facility for Chennai: The newly launched Urban Test Bed is housed within the Sathyabama Research Park and is equipped with advanced atmospheric monitoring systems such as Ceilometer, SODAR, and Micro Rain Radar. These instruments will provide continuous, high-resolution observations of wind patterns, aerosols, clouds, and rainfall — critical data for understanding the evolving urban climate of Chennai, one of India’s most climate-sensitive metropolitan areas.
A dedicated Data Recording and Processing Centre, located within the Centre for Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, will support data management, analysis, and dissemination for research and policy applications.
Expanding Climate Research and Community Outreach: In addition to the Test Bed Facility, the ceremony marked the opening of the Paleoclimatology Laboratory and three climate knowledge and outreach galleries — Geochronos, Oceana, and Innovaria. These spaces are designed to foster public engagement, promote climate literacy, and support collaborative research in environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mariazeena Johnson expressed her pride in hosting India’s first urban test bed in Chennai, stating: “Sathyabama is committed to promoting sustainability-driven research that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The establishment of the Mission Mausam facility underscores our belief that education and science must work together to protect the environment and build a better tomorrow.”
A New Era of Climate-Resilient Urban Planning: The Mission Mausam Urban Test Bed Facility represents a pivotal step in integrating cutting-edge research with urban climate adaptation strategies. It will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary studies, capacity building, and student training, while fostering strong collaboration between academia and national research institutions.
This initiative not only strengthens India’s atmospheric observation and forecasting capabilities but also enhances long-term resilience to the growing challenges posed by climate change — setting a benchmark for other cities to follow.
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