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National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology

Secretariat

Function of the Secretariat

The following are main functions of Directorate:

  1. Overall policy and administrative direction for leadership and management of NCHM  and its divisions;
  2.  Liaise with the Governing Board (GB), line agencies and other stakeholders
  3.  Facilitate formulation of policy and legal frameworks 
  4.  Facilities in strategic planning and development of plans and programs of the Center
  5. Facilitate mobilization of funds. 
  6. Monitoring and evaluation of programs/plans as per the requirement of the government procedures. 
  7. National focal point for World Meteorological Organizations (WMO) and International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
  8. Promote collaboration and institutional linkage with national, regional and international organizations;

Functions of the Secretariat Services

Secretariat Services of the Center includes, Administration and Finance, Human Resources, Procurement and ICT. Secretariat services is responsible to provide following functions to support to the operation of main operation divisions.

  1. Human resources management services
  2. Human resources development services
  3. Procurement and assets management services
  4. Administrative services
  5. ICT services
  6. Pool vehicles services

Meteorological Service Division

Mandate

Meteorological Service Division is mandated to study and provide public weather services, severe weather warnings, meteorological data management, aviation, agro-met and climate change information and services.

Functions 

  1. Prepare and provide weather and climate services.
  2. Research and development in the field of weather, climate and climate variability and climate change.
  3. Prepare and provide short, medium, extended range and seasonal forecasts.
  4. Numerical weather prediction(NWP) modelling and validation.
  5. Monitor extreme weather events and issue warning/bulletins/advisories.
  6. Climate data processing, analysis, archival and dissemination to end users.
  7. Climate modelling, downscaling and climate change projections.
  8. Develop and provide aviation meteorological forecast and information.
  9. Provide Agro-meteorological services.
  10. Provision of tailor made services related to weather and climate.
  11. Operation, monitoring and maintenance of Global Telecommunication System (GTS) and satellite system.
  12. Publish climate data and climate reports.
  13. Publish scientific papers on weather and climate related studies.
  14. Coordinate and organise national, regional and international weather and climate forums.
  15.  Represent the Center and collaborate with relevant national, regional and international organizations related to weather and climate activities.
  16. Education, advocacy and awareness on weather and climate.

Structure

Meteorological Service Division is organsied into four Sections:

  1.  Weather Forecasting Section (WFS)
  2. Climate Information Management Section (CIMS)
  3. Climiate Research & Analysis Services Section (CRAS)
  4. Aviation Meteorological Section (AMS)

Functions of Weather Forecasting Section (WFS)

  1. Prepare and provide weather forecasts (24x7) information.
  2. Monitoring extreme weather events (24x7).
  3. Prepare and issue extreme weather warnings/bulletins/advisories to general public and relevant stakeholders.
  4. Develop, validate and provide extended range forecasts.
  5.  Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) modelling and validation.
  6. WRF verification and validation in coordination with RAS. 
  7. Operation of the Weather Forecasting and Command Room (WFCR) of the National Weather and Flood Warning Center (NWFWC) 24/7 in coordination with the Flood Monitoring and Command Room (FMCR) of HWRSD. 
  8. Monitoring and analysis of weather based on the observation, models and satellite products.
  9. Collect and archive records of hydro-meteorological events.
  10. Dissemination of forecast products to the users.

Functions of GTS & Satellite Unit

  1. Operation and maintenance of the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) and satellite system (24/7);
  2. Monitor, analysis and archival of the Himawaricast satellite images.
  3. Receiving regional/global observational data from the Regional Telecommunication Hubs (RTH);
  4. Distribution of local observational data to the Regional Telecommunication Hubs (RTH);
  5. Relaying hydrological and meteorological observation data from GTS to Flood Forecasting and Warning System.
  6. Monitor and relay regional weather warnings and information for Weather forecasting.
  7. Ensure proper communication with the GTS Regional Telecommunication Hubs (Indian Meteorological Department and Thai Meteorological Department).
  8. Relaying observational data from GTS to Digital Atmosphere and Satellite system.

Functions of Climate Information Management Section (CIMS)

  1. Climate data processing, quality control, analysis and archival.
  2. Provide climatological data to end users.
  3. Generate sector-specific (tailor-made) climate information and products; climate application services based on the climate information and knowledge.
  4.  Annual climate monitoring report and data book publication.
  5. Formulation, issuance and dissemination of seasonal forecasts based on the forecast information from RAS.
  6. Develop and provide agro-meteorological services. 
  7. Issue extended range forecasts based on forecast information from WFS.
  8. Prepare and provide climate normal, indices, climate events, trends, anomalies, extreme analysis and their occurrence/attribution.
  9.   Collaborate with the Information and Communication Services Division for development of the customer-based products and services

Functions of Agro-met Unit

  1.     Develop and provide agro-meteorological services. 
  2.     Provide seasonal prediction; extended range forecasts, stress indices on drought, etc.
  3.     Collaborate with agriculture and other related sectors for development of agrometeorological products and services;
  4.     Develop Agrometeorological Decision Support System (DSS);
  5.     Education and awareness on use of agromet data, information and products

Functions of Climate Research & Analysis Services Section (CRASS)

  1.     Climate modelling, downscaling and develop climate change projections.
  2.     Promote and conduct research in weather, climate variability and climate change.
  3.     Develop, validate and issue seasonal forecasts.
  4.     Prepare and provide GIS based climate maps and related services.
  5.     Integrate remote sensing data in agro-met advisory and climate change studies.
  6.     Integrate GIS applications into weather and climate studies.
  7.     Represent the division and participate in the Research and Development activities in the field of weather, climate and climate change studies at national, regional and international levels.
  8.     Coordinate National Climate Outlook Forums (NCOF), National Framework for Climate Services and WMO Climate Climate Services activities.

Functions of Aviation Met Section (AMS)

  1.     Operate the Aviation Met Station network 
  2.     Collect and maintain the records of meteorological observations of aerodromes in all airports.
  3.     Collect weather information in a form of MET REPORT/SPECIAL REPORT at half hourly intervals.
  4.     Prepare and provide meteorological information (METAR/SPECI) at half hourly intervals to the pilots, flight dispatchers, ATC etc.
  5.     Dissemination of meteorological information (METAR/SPECI) to the originating aerodromes, Airlines, ATC and domestic airports through Automatic Message Handling System (AMHS).
  6.     Monitoring of aerodrome weather conditions and reporting to ATC for updating the pilots for landing and take-off.
  7.     Monitoring and operation of the aviation met infrastructure in respective airports for safe operation of flights as per Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) and ICAO norms.
  8.     Coordination with Air Traffic Controllers and Air Traffic Services.
  9.     Liaise with ICAO and other international organization through head of agency.

Hydrology and Water Resources Services Division (HWRSD)

Mandates 

Hydrology and Water Resources Services Division (HWRSD) is mandated for water resources assessment, hydrological forecasting, hydrological data management, dissemination of hydrological data and information and issue early warning services related to flood and GLOF.

Functions

  1.     Operation of National Hydrological database 
  2.     Hydrological modelling for flow and flood forecasting
  3.     Water Resources Assessment
  4.     Maintain River Information System (RIS)
  5.     Inventory of rivers and stream and its information
  6.     Flood hazard mapping
  7.     Conduct research in the field of hydrology, water resources, flooding, climate change impact on water resources 
  8.     Conduct on need-based research, modelling and prediction to advance knowledge and understanding of the natural hydro-met systems and physical processes 
  9.     Hydrological risk assessment and hazard mapping 
  10.     Liaise with other divisions pertaining to data requirement for flood forecasting and warning  
  11.     Operation of the Flood Monitoring and Command Room (FMCR) of National Weather and Flood Warming Center (NWFWC) 24/7 in coordination with the basin flood warning Control Rooms and Weather Forecasting Section of WCSD.
  12.     Issue flood/GLOF early warning during the severe weather conditions; 
  13.     Coordinate with the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC)/DDM, Hydropower Plants and others regarding the inter-agencies Flood forecasting and warning
  14.     Prepare and issue flood and inflow forecasts of the selected river basins and sub-basins; 
  15.     Perform statistical analysis of hydrological time series data  
  16.     Publish statistical data relating to surface water and its information relating to water resources in coordination with RASS. 
  17.     Dissemination of hydrological data to end users based on the request, 
  18.     Publication of hydrological year book. 

Structure

Hydrology and Water Resources Services Division (HWRSD) is organized into three Sections:

  1.     Forecasting and Warning Section (FWS)
  2.     Hydrology and Water Information Section (CIS) and
  3.     Hydrology Research & Analysis Services Section (HRASS)

Functions of Forecasting and Warning Section (FWS)

  1.     Provide flood forecasting and early warning services to all major flood prone river basins of the country through a network of flood/GLOF EWS facilities in the river basins. 
  2.     Promote modern data collection techniques and hydrological modelling for water resources development through inflow and flood forecasting and warning services 
  3.     Liaise with other divisions of the Center pertaining to data requirement for flood forecasting and warning  
  4.     Setup appropriate hydrological model for different basins for flood forecasting and inflow forecasting  
  5.     Operation of the Flood Monitoring and Command Room (FMCR) of National Weather and Flood Warning Center (NWFWC) 24/7 in coordination with the basin flood warning Control Rooms. 
  6.     Issue flood/GLOF warning during the severe weather conditions; 
  7.     Public information and education on floods, and post-flood investigation with concerned offices within and outside the agency; 
  8.     Coordinate with the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC)/DDM, Hydropower Plants (DGPC) and others regarding the inter-agencies Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems  
  9.     Maintain linkages with national and local agencies related to flood/GLOF 

Functions of Flow Forecasting Unit (FFU) 

  1.    Maintain GIS database and information required for hydrological modelling and other purposes;  
  2.     Mapping and modelling of watershed using Geo-informative (GIS tools) and other tools for water resources management; 
  3.     Delineation of river basins/watershed and maintain shapes files for hydrological modelling and other purposes; 
  4.     Water line, and bathymetric survey of water bodies in coordination with other divisions
  5.     Setup and run hydrological modelling using appropriate models and GIS tools/related software for water resources management, flood forecasting and warning. 
  6.     Prepare flood and inflow forecasts of the selected river basins and sub-basins; 
  7.     Prepare and provide inflow forecasting to hydropower plants and other water infrastructures;  
  8.     Improve the methods, procedures and techniques in hydrological (flood) forecasting and warning;  
  9.     Flood hazard mapping and risks assessment in coordination with other sections/Units/Divisions; 
  10.     Documentation of floods events 
  11.     Conduct public information/education on floods and other related topics in coordination with other department/division 
  12.     Publication of yearly hydrological extreme event bulletin in coordination with other sections/units. 

Functions of Flood Warning Unit (FWU)

  1.     Operation of Flood Monitoring and Command Room (FMCR) under the National Weather and Flood Warning Center (NWFWC) for 24/7 on shift basis; 
  2.     Monitoring of hydrological real-time stations and communication facilities in Thimphu and inform relevant divisions on the malfunctions, breakdown and non-reporting of real-time data transmission from the field stations. 
  3.     Monitor flood/GLOF EWS systems installed in different river basins in coordination with Basin Control Rooms; 
  4.     Timely dissemination of GLOF warnings based on GLOF EWS installed along different basins; 
  5.     Issue advisories and bulletins on extreme hydrological events based on weather & hydrological forecasts; 
  6.     Collaborate with NEOC/DDM, Hydropower Plants other national institutions involved in flood disaster mitigation and other related activities;  
  7.     Transmit flood information to the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC), Hydropower Power Plants, and related agencies as per SOP; 
  8.     Secure copies of all flood-related information packages prepared by the FFU for reference, and/or issuance to interested users, agencies and the media;  
  9.     Coordinate and organize emergency meeting during the flood/GLOF and other extreme events; 
  10.     Inform and update the relevant line agencies on the status and developments in the event of GLOF/Flood; 
  11.     Training of Control Room staff in coordination with other divisions; 
  12.     Coordinate and conduct briefings for media and other interested parties on floods and other hydrological hazards, whenever necessary. 

Functions of Hydrology Information Management Section (HIMS)

  1.     Receive raw data from the field stations and enter data into database, 
  2.     Compile and analyse the hydrological data and water resources information relating to rivers and streams in the country,  
  3.     Perform data quality and validation of hydrological time series data collected in coordination with other divisions. 
  4.    Operate and maintain national hydrological database and archival system in respect of water resources, 
  5.     Prepare and maintain river basin and station network maps  
  6.     Publish statistical data relating to surface water and its information relating to water resources in coordination with RASS. 
  7.     Dissemination of data to end users based on the request, 
  8.     Publication of hydrological year book. 

Functions of Hydrology Research and Analysis Services Section  (RAS)

  1.     Coordinate and conduct research in the field of hydrology and water resources such as flood forecasting, hazard mapping, climate change impacts on water resources etc. 
  2.     Coordinate and conduct water resources assessment  
  3.     Perform statistical analysis of hydrological time series data  
  4.     Hydrological risk assessment and hazard mapping in coordination with other section/division  
  5.     Hydrological and flood frequency analysis; 
  6.     Provide support and technical backstopping services to other divisions/sections/units; 
  7.     Publication of research papers and other; 

Cryosphere Services Division (CSD)

Mandate

The Cryosphere Services Division (CSD) is mandated to study and monitor cryosphere (snow, glaciers, glacier lakes) and its associated risks to implement appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures.

Functions 

  1.     Prepare plans and programs related to cryosphere (snow, glaciers, glacier lakes) monitoring
  2.     Time series monitoring of glaciers and glacial lakes
  3.     Operation of snow and glacier monitoring networks in coordination with other divisions of the Center;
  4.     Maintain National Cryosphere Database (Cryosphere Information Hub);
  5.     Assess risk associated with Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and melt contribution from glacier and snow to the surface runoff;
  6.     Coordinate with national agencies related to snow and glacier monitoring and data collection;
  7.     Foster collaboration with regional and international institutions/agencies involved in the field of cryosphere research and data sharing through the head of agency;
  8.     Provide professional and technical services to the Center/other agencies on conceptual and methodological aspects of cryosphere monitoring and related studies.
     

Structure

  1. Cryosphere Services Division (HSD) has three Sections as follows:
  2.     Cryosphere Monitoring and Survey Section (CMSS)
  3.     Cryosphere Hazard Assessment and Prediction Section (CHAPS)
  4.     Cryosphere Information & Management Section (CIMS)

Functions of Cryosphere Monitoring & Survey Section (CMSS)

  1.     Establish and operate benchmark glacier monitoring stations for status of the glaciers (mass balance, terminus activity, glacier surface activity, glacier dynamics including flow velocity and ice thickness) using conventional, Unmanned Aircraft System, Ice-Radar and geodetic methods. 
  2.     Establish and operate research based/time bound snow monitoring stations
  3.     Preparing glacier inventory and regular updating;
  4.     Conduct research on melt contribution to surface runoff from snow and glacier;
  5.     Plan and implement research activities on glaciers and snow monitoring.

Functions of Cryosphere Hazard Assessment & Prediction Section (CHAPS)

  •     Carry out Time Series Monitoring of glacial lakes, asses associated risk and implement appropriate mitigation/adaptation measures.
  •     Coordinate with national line agencies pertaining to snow and glacier hazards and risk assessment
  •     Preparing and updating of GLOF hazard/vulnerability maps in selected basins in collaboration with other divisions and related agencies.
  •     Plan and carryout research activities pertaining to GLOF and related Hazard

Functions of Cryosphere Information & Management Section (CIMS)

  1.     Compile and archive up to date cryosphere data. 
  2.     Maintaining updated inventories on snow, glacier, and glacial Lake and make timely publication.
  3.     Compilation and archiving of reports, data and publications related to cryosphere
  4.     Data ingestion and operation of Cryosphere Information Hub-linked with NCHM web-server.
  5.     Data processing and analysis to generate reliable information (long term goal)
  6.     Provide cryosphere data and information for end users

Technical Standard and Research Division

Mandate

The Technical Standard and Research Division (TSRD) is mandated to coordinate research and publications, calibration of instruments, standardization of hydro-meteorological data and related observations.

Functions 

  1. Develop and establish operational policies, guidelines and other relevant standards pertaining to hydro-meteorological instruments, observations and statistics.
  2.  Develop and promote national standards for methods, procedures, techniques and practices in hydrology, meteorology and operational hydrology in coordination with relevant regulatory agencies and Technical Regulations, guidelines and manuals of WMO and ICAO.
  3. Develop Technical Manuals for Operational Hydrology, Meteorology and Cryosphere observations.
  4. Develop competency framework and training manuals for operational hydrology, meteorology and cryosphere in coordination with other divisions.
  5. Carry out calibrations of hydro-met instruments and equipment.
  6. Coordinate and conduct research improvements to existing standards, technical manuals and guidelines.
  7. Coordinate research on new science and technologies with technical divisions and external agencies.
  8. Provide research clearance on the field of hydrology, meteorology and cryosphere sciences.
  9. Provide technical sanction for works and procurement of goods and services.
  10. Publication of research journal, technical manual and related reports.
  11. Compliance monitoring of standards and quality assurance for observation and data collection in the field of hydrology, meteorology and cryosphere.

Structure

Technical Standard and Research Division (TSRD) has two Sections as follows:

  1. Technical Planning and Standard Section (TPSS)
  2.  Research Coordination and Publication Section (RCPS)

Functions of Technical Planning and Standard Section (TPSS)

  1.  Review WMO, ICAO and other technical regulations, technical manuals, Guidelines and related documents pertaining to hydro-meteorological instrumentation, and observations and statistics.
  2. Develop national technical regulations, manuals and guidelines and related cement in consolation with the regulatory agencies pertaining to hydro-meteorological instrumentation, and observations and statistics in Bhutan.
  3. Promote and implement national standards for methods, procedures, techniques and practices in hydrology, meteorology and operational hydrology.
  4. Provide technical sanction for the implementation of works and procurement of goods and services.
  5. Develop technical manuals for operational hydrology, meteorology and cryosphere observations.
  6. Develop training manuals for operational hydrology, meteorology and cryosphere.
  7. Establish and carryout instrumentation and calibration of hydro-met instruments and accessories.
  8. Compliance monitoring of the services for quality assurance.

 Functions of Research Coordination and Publication Section (RCPS)

  1.  Coordinate and facilitate implementation of research works on hydrology, meteorology and cryosphere in collaboration with service divisions.
  2. Review the research proposals and issue clearance pertaining to hydrology, meteorology and cryosphere sciences in Bhutan in coordination with service divisions.
  3.  Liaise with national and external universities and institutes for implementation of research on hydrology, meteorology and cryosphere and climate change issues.
  4. Coordinate and carry out research and applications of new science and technologies in collaboration with technical divisions and external agencies/universities/institute.
  5. Coordinate and plan research activities in consultation with service divisions.
  6. Co-ordinate the publication of Hydro-meteorological Journals and other publications.
  7. Manage and share knowledge and information on research and related studies