About IMD

• The India Meteorological Department was established in 1875. 
• It functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). 
• It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects. 

Mandate of IMD

• To take meteorological observations and to provide current and forecast meteorological information for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, offshore oil explorations, etc.
• To warn against severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones, norwesters, dust storms, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves, etc., which cause destruction of life and property.
• To provide meteorological statistics required for agriculture, water resource management, industries, oil exploration and other nation-building activities.
• To conduct and promote research in meteorology and allied disciplines.

Why in News?

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karaikal and Mahe.