For the first time localized weather forecasts will be available at the Gram Panchayat level, supported by India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) expanded sensor coverage.
About Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting Initiative
- Ministry: The initiative, is a joint program of the Panchayati Raj Ministry, IMD, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Features:
- 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats: They can see data on the current temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, rainfall, and relative humidity.
- Digital platforms: e-GramSwaraj, Gram Manchitra, and Meri Panchayat will deliver 5-day and hourly weather forecasts.
- SMS alerts: Will be sent to panchayat representatives regarding extreme weather events. E.g., cyclones and heavy rainfall.
Significance of Localised Weather Forecasts
- Safeguard agricultural livelihoods: Empower farmers to optimize agricultural activities like sowing, irrigation, and harvesting through precise weather data.
- Strengthens grassroots governance: By making rural populations more climate-resilient and better equipped to tackle environmental challenges.
- It will also enhance rural disaster preparedness against extreme weather events, thereby reducing disaster-led mortality.
- It underscored India’s role in global climate resilience: India's IMD serves as UN Early Warning for All advisor to five developing nations, demonstrating leadership in global climate resilience.
India’s localised weather forecasting capabilities
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