India's first comprehensive Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory opens in Chennai under Mission Mausam
On 6 May 2026 MoES Secretary Dr M. Ravichandran inaugurated an Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory set up by IITM Pune under Mission Mausam at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai, described as the first of its kind in India.
Summary
The Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory set up by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under 'Mission Mausam' at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Ramapuram, Chennai, was inaugurated on 6 May 2026 by Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary Dr M. Ravichandran, along with the Centre for Atmospheric Science Research and Innovation, and IITM and SRMIST signed an MoU. The facility has about 15 instruments worth over ₹60 crore that track nearly 50 types of atmospheric data, and Ravichandran said it is the first comprehensive observatory of its kind in India. Mission Mausam was launched by the Prime Minister in September 2024 to modernise observation, improve monsoon prediction and strengthen severe-weather warnings.
Key facts
- Inaugurated
- 6 May 2026, SRMIST Ramapuram, Chennai
- Set up by
- IITM Pune under Mission Mausam
- Instruments
- ~15 instruments, > ₹60 crore; ~50 types of atmospheric data
- First
- First comprehensive observatory of its kind in India
- Mission Mausam
- Launched by PM, September 2024
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which institute set up the Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory inaugurated in Chennai in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune
IITM Pune, under Mission Mausam, established the observatory at SRMIST, Ramapuram, Chennai.
Mission Mausam, under which the Chennai Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory was set up, was launched in:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — September 2024
Mission Mausam was launched by the Prime Minister in September 2024 as a major scientific initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.