IMD DGM Mrutynjay Mohapatra awarded United Nations Sasakawa Award-2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction

BATHINDA: Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD), was awarded the United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction.Established in 1986 with the support of The Nippon Foundation, the United Nations Sasakawa Award is the most prestigious international recognition in the field of disaster risk reduction. It honours individuals and institutions that made outstanding contributions to building disaster-resilient communities.The theme for 2025, “Connecting science to people: Democratizing access to innovation and technology for disaster-resilient communities,” underscores the significance of Dr Mohapatra’s groundbreaking work in minimising deaths due to any cyclone over the north Indian Ocean region, not only in India but also in 13 WMO/ESCAP Panel member countries bordering the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.Known as the "Cyclone Man of India," he was instrumental in making scientific forecasting accessible to vulnerable populations, thereby saving countless lives and minimizing disaster impacts across the country.He pioneered impact-based forecasting, tailoring warnings for farmers, fishermen, infrastructure, and disaster managers. His people-centric approach brought accuracy, clarity, and trust.This accolade not only recognises Dr Mohapatra’s insightful leadership but also reaffirms India’s growing role in advancing global disaster risk management.The India Meteorological Department expresses gratitude to the Prime Minister, minister of Earth Sciences, and Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, for encouragement for improvement of the Early Warning System benefiting not only the country but also the entire region.