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DR S C BHAN

Veteran Meteorologist | Former Head, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Currently Associated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India

Dr. S.C. Bhan is a distinguished meteorologist with over three decades of exemplary service in operational meteorology, agrometeorology, and disaster risk reduction. A Senior Scientist and former Head at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), he is presently associated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, where he continues to contribute to science-driven policy for the farming community.

Dr. Bhan obtained his M.Sc. in Agricultural Meteorology from Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, securing the first position in the university. Since joining IMD in 1991, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing Agromet Advisory Services, earning commendation from multiple State Governments and the Hon’ble Union Minister of Earth Sciences.

He has been instrumental in formulating IMD’s flagship Plan Scheme under the 12th Five-Year Plan, contributing to the strengthening of weather-based services nationwide. Dr. Bhan has also championed the popularization of meteorological science through public outreach and publications. Notably, he initiated the climate documentation series for major Indian cities, with the inaugural publication "Climate of Delhi" receiving widespread appreciation from stakeholders.

Renowned for his scientific acumen and leadership in advancing climate services for agriculture and disaster preparedness, Dr. Bhan’s career continues to influence India's resilience to weather and climate-related risks.

GNY LIVE Chronic Hot Days: Heatwaves, Health Consequences and Policy Framework

Heatwaves have become one of the most lethal and least acknowledged consequences of climate change in India. What was once an occasional extreme is now a defining feature of India’s seasonal climate, stretching longer, striking harder, and reaching new geographies. In this in-depth episode of Death by Fahrenheight, Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay, editor in chief of Geography and You, engages in a compelling and urgent conversation with Dr. S.C. Bhan, an accomplished meteorologist and former head of services at the India Meteorological Department. Currently with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr. Bhan brings over three decades of expertise in weather forecasting, climate science, and disaster management. Their discussion decodes the complex interplay between rising temperatures, human health, agriculture, and urban planning, while also examining gaps in governance, infrastructure, and public awareness. This episode serves as a comprehensive primer on India’s growing vulnerability to heatwaves, emphasizing the critical need for data-driven action, institutional readiness, and community-based adaptation. As heat becomes the new normal, this dialogue lays out both the stark realities and the actionable paths forward for a climate-resilient India.