Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 15: Sonam Lotus concluded his remarkable 15-year journey with the Meteorological Department (MeT) Srinagar. Under his leadership, the Met Centre has witnessed a transformative era of advancements and public trust.
Born in the serene village of Shara in Leh-Ladakh to a farmer’s family, Lotus embarked on his meteorological career in 2005, joining the IMD as a Trainee Meteorologist. Over the years, he climbed the professional ladder with dedication and passion, ultimately heading the local Met Centre in Srinagar in 2008.
Completed his schooling at a government school in Leh up to 12th, he pursued graduation in Non-Medical from GGM Science College Jammu and earned an MSc and MPhil in Physics from Jammu University.
During his tenure, Sonam played a critical role in the modernisation of the local meteorological office, with his initiatives leading to improved infrastructure, enhanced service delivery, and the establishment of a robust human resource development framework. His focus on the swift execution of government schemes and fostering a lively working environment marked a turning point for the department.
As per the details available, one of his notable achievements includes the revival of the “Weather Forecasting and Flood Met Office in Srinagar” after nearly two decades of dormancy due to the turmoil in the valley.
Lotus’s efforts significantly contributed to the drastic improvement in forecast accuracy, including the installation of an Automatic Weather Station at the Amarnath Holy Cave at an altitude of 3888m.
It was Sonam Lotus who hinted about the flood of 2014, which took over Kashmir, and after that, he became popular among each and every house in the valley.
Beyond his official duties, Lotus actively engaged in popularising meteorology, as his contributions ranged from the publication of a book on the ‘Climate of Srinagar’ to delivering lectures on relevant topics and participating in conferences and seminars. As a founding member of the IMS Chapter in Srinagar, he further strengthened the meteorological community.
Lotus’s outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he received numerous accolades, including the Best Employee of IMD and recognition from the Prime Minister of India in July 2018. Letters of appreciation poured in from dignitaries such as the Governor of J&K, the Director-General of IMD, and the Additional Director General of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), J&K Police.
As his official farewell is scheduled on Wednesday, November 16, 2023, Sonam Lotus leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication, and a joyful 15-year career. The ‘Weatherman of Srinagar’ has not only saved lives and property through accurate forecasts but has also played a vital role in boosting the state’s economy.
Sonam Lotus said, “My 15-year career serving in J&K has been eventful, adventurous and satisfying as I had a great learning experience both professionally and personally. I thank the people of J&K for their love and respect and the government for giving me the opportunity to serve in J&K and Ladakh. I am taking a bag full of memories from Kashmir, and my experience here has been amazing.”
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar expressed sincere gratitude to Sonam Lotus for his “unwavering commitment”. The newly-appointed Director of Metrology, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, wished him the “very best” in his future endeavours.
“The legacy of Sonam Lotus’s meteorological excellence will continue to shine brightly in the years to come,” Dr Mukhtar added.
