The Government of India is set to launch a pioneering initiative that will bring localized weather forecasts to Gram Panchayats across the country.

Panchayat Level Weather Forecast

• This initiative will be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Panchayati Raj at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in partnership with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences. 
• This development represents a crucial step in empowering rural communities and improving grassroots-level climate resilience, providing farmers and villagers with accurate, timely weather information.

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Implementation at Panchayat Level

• The Gram Panchayats will have access to daily 5-day weather forecasts and hourly updates using IMD’s expanded sensor network.
• This information will be disseminated through the Panchayati Raj digital platforms:
  • e-GramSwaraj : for governance, project tracking, and resource management.
  • Meri Panchayat app : to facilitate community engagement.
  • Gram Manchitra: a spatial planning tool offering geospatial insights.
• Training workshop: The training will enable Panchayat representatives to leverage these tools effectively, promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing rural disaster preparedness.

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Significance of Panchayat level weather Forecast

• With real-time weather information, Gram Panchayats can make well-informed decisions regarding agriculture, infrastructure planning, and disaster management.
• The initiative also includes SMS alerts for extreme weather conditions, helping rural communities protect lives, crops, and assets.
• This  is a significant step in creating climate-resilient villages across India.