ACC Appoints Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala as Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences for Two-Year Term
In a significant appointment to the Government of India’s scientific leadership, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala as the Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
According to an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on July 16, 2026, Dr. Tummala has been appointed for a two-year tenure from the date he assumes charge of the office or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The appointment places an internationally recognised ocean and tsunami expert at the helm of one of India’s most important scientific ministries, which is responsible for weather forecasting, ocean sciences, climate research, seismology, and earth system sciences.
ACC Clears Appointment
The appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) through an order issued by the Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
The notification was signed by Manisha Saxena, Secretary, Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and Establishment Officer.
International Scientific Leadership
Before his appointment, Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala was serving as the Head of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) Secretariat under the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) in Perth, Australia.
In this globally significant role, he has been responsible for coordinating tsunami warning systems and disaster preparedness initiatives across countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
His work has focused on strengthening regional cooperation in ocean observation, tsunami early warning mechanisms, hazard mitigation, and capacity building among member nations.
Brings Extensive Expertise in Ocean Sciences
Dr. Tummala is widely recognised for his extensive experience in oceanography, marine observations, tsunami warning systems, and earth sciences.
Over the course of his career, he has been associated with several national and international initiatives involving:
Ocean observation systems
Tsunami early warning services
Coastal hazard assessment
Marine meteorology
Disaster risk reduction
Climate and ocean research
International scientific collaboration
His experience at UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission has given him significant exposure to global scientific cooperation and disaster resilience programmes.
Will Lead India’s Earth Sciences Ministry
As Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. Tummala will head the ministry responsible for several strategically important scientific institutions and national programmes.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences oversees critical areas including:
Weather forecasting through the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Ocean services
Climate science and climate modelling
Seismology and earthquake monitoring
Polar and Antarctic research
Deep ocean exploration
Monsoon prediction
Marine resource studies
Natural hazard monitoring and early warning systems
The ministry also plays a vital role in supporting sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, aviation, shipping, disaster management, and climate resilience through scientific data and forecasting.
Two-Year Tenure Approved
According to the ACC order, Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala will serve as Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, for a period of two years from the date he assumes charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The fixed tenure is expected to provide continuity in the implementation of several ongoing scientific and technological initiatives undertaken by the ministry.
Important Appointment for India’s Scientific Administration
The appointment comes at a time when India is expanding its capabilities in climate science, ocean observation, disaster preparedness, and deep-sea exploration.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is currently implementing several major national programmes related to weather prediction, marine resources, blue economy initiatives, and advanced earth system research.
With his international experience in tsunami warning and ocean governance, Dr. Tummala is expected to further strengthen India’s scientific collaborations and enhance the country’s capacity in disaster preparedness and earth system sciences.
Official Notification Issued
The appointment was notified through an official communication issued by the Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Department of Personnel and Training, on July 16, 2026.
Copies of the order have been circulated to the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, all Secretaries to the Government of India, Chief Secretaries of all States, the Cabinet Secretariat, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and other concerned authorities for necessary action.
With the ACC’s approval, Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala is set to assume leadership of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, bringing decades of national and international scientific expertise to one of the Government of India’s most important research and policy institutions.
