Gram Panchayats to Get Access to 5-Day and Hourly Weather Forecasts for Climate Resilience

Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), is set to launch Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting on October 24, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This project aims to deliver 5-day daily and hourly weather forecasts to Gram Panchayats across India, significantly benefiting rural communities, particularly farmers, by enhancing their preparedness for environmental challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

For the first time, Gram Panchayats will receive hyper-localized weather forecasts, enabled by IMD’s expanded sensor network. The weather data will be accessible through various digital platforms developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. These include e-GramSwaraj, which facilitates governance and resource management; the Meri Panchayat app, which encourages community participation; and Gram Manchitra, a geospatial tool used for development planning. This integration of advanced technology into rural governance will help foster informed decision-making in agriculture and disaster preparedness.

The official launch will witness the presence of key dignitaries, including Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Minister of Panchayati Raj; Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister for Science and Technology & Earth Sciences; Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Panchayati Raj; and several other high-ranking officials from various ministries and departments. These experts and government representatives will highlight the importance of this initiative in reinforcing grassroots governance and climate resilience.

A training workshop titled "Weather Forecasts at the Gram Panchayat Level" will accompany the event, attended by over 200 participants, including elected representatives and officials from Panchayati Raj Institutions. This workshop aims to equip Panchayat representatives and local officials with the tools and knowledge needed to utilize weather forecasts effectively. This training will empower rural communities to make informed decisions regarding agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure development.

The availability of localized weather information will empower farmers to make informed decisions regarding sowing, irrigation, and harvesting, ultimately promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative also strengthens disaster preparedness at the grassroots level by providing Panchayats with real-time alerts for extreme weather events, such as cyclones and heavy rainfall, allowing for immediate protective actions to safeguard crops, property, and human lives.

By offering daily updates on temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and cloud cover, this program is set to transform how rural India addresses climate challenges. Additionally, SMS alerts about severe weather will be sent to Panchayat officials, enabling swift measures to mitigate damage. This initiative is a significant step in building climate-resilient villages and enhancing rural governance at the grassroots level.