(a) whether there has been no snowfall in the hills due to lack of rain in the
hilly areas during the current season in the country ;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the likely effects of no snowfall on the coming weather conditions;
(a) whether the Government has constituted any committee of scientists to
study the weather conditions/climatic changes; and
(b) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARATH SCIENCES (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)
(a) It is not true to state that there has been no snowfall activity in the hills. However
it was much below normal, particularly in the month of January’ 07.There was good
snowfall activity during the month of February’ 07. In-fact 4-5 spells of snowfall events
were experienced over western Himalayan region and the two spells of snowfall events
experienced during second and the last week of February 2007 were quite intense.
(b) The hilly regions which receive snowfall especially during the winter season
consists of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. During the month of January
there was very little snowfall in these regions. Later on, some active western
disturbances started giving precipitation and the periods 8th to 14th February’ 07 and
26th February’ 07 onwards, witnessed very good rain/snowfall. This has improved the
snowfall distribution over the hills in the winter season. Further, it may be mentioned
here that the snowfall reported during November & December 2006 was more than the
long term averages in many of the stations. However, overall, it was deficient during
January and February 2007.
(c) It does not have any influence on the subsequent monsoon rainfall activity.
(d&e) Yes, Sir. The Government has launched in the year 1999, a National Project
PARWAT, which is a joint venture of Defence Research and Development Organization
(DRDO), Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), Army, MoES (IMD &
NCMRWF) and Indian Air Force (IAF). Under this project, the network of meteorological
observatories has been strengthened over Western Himalayan region by establishing
additional 26 surface based and 3 upper air observatories. The project is aimed to conduct
research and development work for improving weather and avalanche forecasting and to
carry out climatological studies. The scope of this project is also planned to be extended
into the central Himalayas.
Emissions. Many institutions in the country are addressing the issue of global warming
and climate changes as a coordinated effort.
Government has recently constituted a National Disaster Management Authority
(MDMA) under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister to prepare and plan
actions to mitigate such events.