HEADLINE NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

Govt for boosting weather forecast capacity: Chaudhary

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Mar. 23: Minister for Science and Technology Surendra Prasad Chaudhary today said that the knowledge of meteorology and hydrology plays a very crucial role in the development of Nepal’s abundant water resources, agriculture, industry tourism and infrastructure such as roads, airports, human settlements and urban amenities.

Minister Chaudhary expressed the view, while addressing a function organised by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) on the occasion of the 51st World Meteorological Day today.

The World Meteorological Day is observed throughout the world on March 23. This year it was marked with the slogan "Volunteers for Weather, Climate and Water."

He further said that Nepal is highly appreciative of the World Meteorological Organisation’s role in coordinating the voluntary collaboration of its member countries on a global scale.

He also said that the government is committed to enhance Nepal’s weather information capability for the promotion of tourism, civil aviation and elevate the socio-economic status of the farmers.

"We are also trying to provide more accurate and extensive hydrological data to our clients for the development of the country’s vast water resources potential," he said.

Poshan Nath Nepal, Secretary at the Ministry of Science and Technology, said that the commemoration of the World Meteorological Day has renewed the government’s dedication and enthusiasm to develop the country’s scientific and technological capabilities to the fullest potential for the upliftment of the citizens from the shackles of underdevelopment and poverty.

Nepal, who chaired the function, said the establishment of Nepal Association of Hydrologists and Meteorologists (NAHM) is really a voluntary leap in the country for the cause of weather, climate and water.

Delivering his welcome speech, Adarhsa Prasad Pokhrel, Director General at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), said that the ability of human beings to understand climatic patterns and trends together with their lasting impacts on the quantity and quality of water resources would be crucial for the survival and security of the human race in harmony with environment and the ecosystem.

Pokhrel also said that it is encouraging that the Nepalese hydrologists and meteorologists have realised the necessity to work together for the benefit of Nepal and the world community.

He was of the opinion that the World Meteorological Day serves as a reminder for all to renew our pledge as a member of the WMO family to dedicate and devote the country’s scientific and technological skills for a better understanding of the dynamic phenomena of climate and water for the benefit and security of all the living beings in the planet.

On the occasion, Minister Chaudhary felicitated Ram Prasad Nepal, former Director General at the DHM, and Prof. Suresh Raj Chalise for their significant contributions to the field of hydrology and meteorology in the country.

Dr. H. G. Jones, Representative of International Commission for Snow and Ice (ICSI), Dr. G. Campbell, Representative of ICIMOD, L. A. Mandalia, Representative of UNESCO, and Prof. Dr. B. P. Upadhyay, also spoke about the importance of hydrological and meteorological development.

Dr. Madan Bahadur Basnyat announced the establishment of Nepal Association of Hydrologists and Meteorologists.

Bhairav Jha, Deputy Director General of the DHM, extended the vote of thanks to the participants.

Other Stories