Pune: In a major push for climate and atmospheric science research, Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), inaugurated a state-of-the-art Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory.
He also officially launched the MoES Early Career Researchers’ Hub (ECR-Hub) website at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory to Enhance Research Capabilities
The new Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory will enhance research capabilities in air quality, pollution sources, and chemical interactions in the atmosphere.
Simultaneously, the ECR-Hub (accessible at ecrhub.github.io) is envisioned as a national platform to connect and empower emerging scientists and researchers in Earth sciences.
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Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Ravichandran emphasized the ECR-Hub as a center for “connection, growth, and discovery,” encouraging young minds to explore, innovate, and contribute to building a resilient and sustainable future.
Post-launch of Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory, Dr Ravichandran also reviewed SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) and WiFEX (Winter Fog Experiment) operations during his visit to IITM. He was briefed on the Metropolitan Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Services (MAQWS) and the progress of fog forecasting initiatives under WiFEX.
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Marking a decade since its inception at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), WiFEX has become one of the world’s most robust fog prediction networks. With over 85% accuracy in forecasting very dense fog (visibility <200 meters), it plays a vital role in reducing flight delays and improving runway safety.
Looking ahead, WiFEX-II will expand localized, runway-specific fog forecasting to additional airports across North India, including Jewar and Hisar – critical hubs in India’s aviation corridor.
This next phase aims to provide real-time fog forecasts that will assist airlines, pilots, and air traffic controllers in enhancing winter flight safety and operational efficiency.
