World Meteorological Organization Secretary General Dr Petteri Taalas Met Science & Technology & Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Secretary General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Geneva Dr Petteri Taalas, called on the Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, in New Delhi today. He assured full support of WMO and hoped that India will continue to play leading role in metrological observations, services and capacity building of developing countries. Dr. Harsh Vardhan assured the WMO that India would continue to play a vital role in implementation of the WMO programmes in India and would provide forecast services/advisories to the South East Asian region to mitigate loss to life and property due to natural calamities.

This is the first visit of Dr Taalas to any National Meteorological Services in the world after taking over charge of Secretary General of WMO w.e.f. 1^st January, 2016.

Earlier he was welcomed by the Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Rajeevan, at Prithvi Bhavan, New Delhi. The Secretary General (WMO) also visited India Meteorological Department (IMD), and interacted with Director General of Meteorology Dr. L. S. Rathore, and seniors officers of IMD. A presentation on the activities of IMD and contribution to WMO activities through Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre, Regional Training Centre and Regional Telecommunication Centres of WMO functioning at IMD was also made. It was emphasized that India should provide leadership in regional capacity building, severe weather, mountain meteorology and climate services. Dr Petteri Taalas assured all cooperation from WMO.