Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Launch “Weather Forecasts at the Gram Panchayat Level” tomorrow

The Government of India is set to introduce a revolutionary initiative aimed at empowering rural communities by enhancing disaster preparedness at the grassroots level. On October 24, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will officially launch the “Weather Forecasts at the Gram Panchayat Level” initiative at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

This pioneering program, a collaboration between the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), will provide comprehensive five-day weather forecasts directly to Gram Panchayats nationwide. It marks the first occasion that localized weather information is accessible at such a granular level, a development made possible through IMD’s expanded network of sensors.

Highlighting the significance of this development, government officials have noted that the initiative fits into the broader goal of strengthening rural governance and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Equipped with daily updates on temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and cloud cover, Gram Panchayats can make more informed agricultural decisions regarding the timing of sowing, irrigation, and harvesting activities. This, in turn, will make rural populations more resilient to climate changes and better equipped to face environmental challenges.

The forecasts will be disseminated using a range of digital platforms, including:

• e-GramSwaraj: A platform that facilitates efficient governance, project tracking, and resource management.
• Meri Panchayat app: An application enabling community engagement by allowing citizens to interact with local representatives and report issues.
• Gram Manchitra: A spatial planning tool that offers geospatial insights for development initiatives.

In addition to these enhancements, the government is organizing a Workshop on “Weather Forecasts at the Gram Panchayat Level” to celebrate the launch of this initiative. The workshop will see the participation of over 200 individuals, including elected representatives and state officials from Panchayati Raj Institutions. This training session aims to equip the attendees with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize the new weather forecasting tools and resources, thus amplifying their ability to make informed decisions and enhance their community’s climate resilience.

Unexpected weather patterns and natural disasters pose an increasing threat to agricultural livelihoods and rural infrastructure. By offering precise and timely weather forecasts, this initiative aims to serve as a vital tool in protecting these livelihoods and elevating the level of rural preparedness.

Moreover, SMS alerts will be incorporated into the program, providing Panchayat representatives with instantaneous notifications of extreme weather events, such as cyclones and heavy rainfall. This feature ensures prompt action, safeguarding lives, crops, and property.

This groundbreaking undertaking is not only a key component of the Government’s ambitious 100 Days Agenda but is also a forward-thinking step toward establishing climate-resilient communities at the very heart of rural India.