Welcome to Agri Vision-2024
Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra “The Cyclone Man of India” was born on August 12, 1965 in Rajagurupur, Odisha, India. Son of Pravakar and Panchali Mohapatra. He has completed his B.Sc. (1985), MSc. (1987) and, Ph.D. (2007) from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
He started his career as Junior science assistant in Defense Research and Development Organization, Government of India, 1988-1990. Lecturer, physics D. K. College, Jaleswar, Balasore, Odisha 1990-1992. Meteorologist grade II trainee India Meteorological Department, Pune 1992-1993, meteorologist grade II, 1993-1998 at IMD, Bangalore, meteorologist grade I, at IMD, Bhubaneswar1998-2004, director, Regional Meteorological Centre, IMD, Guwahati IMD 2004-2005, and NWFC, IMD New Delhi, 2005-2010, Scientist E, from 2010-2015, Scientist F, 2015-2016, Scientist G, 2016-2019, and Director General of Meteorology from 2019 onwards.
His Research work and scientific publications are mainly based on weather forecasting and cyclone warning including; Cyclonic disturbances, Monsoonal low pressure systems, Heavy rainfall, Thunderstorm and Forecast verification. He has published 125+ Research articles, Publication in 44 Books, Edited 20 Books and 08 Journals including 18 Journal/Book reviewed.
Appreciations received globally and nationally from government and non- government agencies including WMO, NDRF, IAF, State Govts for successful predicting of cyclones during 2013-2020. He is the Chairman of 7 International Committees, Expert Member of 9 International Committees, Chairman of 8 National committees, and Expert Member of 16 National Committees.
This, in nutshell, is the story of Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, who is affectionately known as the ‘cyclone man of India’ for having accurately predicted the path of ferocious cyclonic storms like Phailin, Hudhud, Titli, Fani, Amphan, etc. Accurate prediction and timely action by local authorities and people saved tens of thousands of lives and it was greatly appreciated by national and international agencies. As head of the cyclone division in the Indian Meteorological Department, since 2007 and as Director General of, India Meteorological Department, Mohapatra has seen over ninety cyclones. He says, “My responsibility is to motivate colleagues and try to minimize loss of life and property.”