Lok Sabha Question No. 1275 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Weather Forecasting System at Gram Panchayat Level
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1275

ANSWER DATE 03.12.2024

## WEATHER FORECASTING SYSTEM AT GRAM PANCHAYAT LEVEL

## 1275. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) the details of current status of the proposed Gram Panchayat-level weather forecasting system;

(b) the details of the measures taken by the Government to ensure the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasts provided at the Gram Panchayat level;

(c) the details of the steps taken by the Government to create awareness among Gram Panchayat officials and local communities about the benefits of weather forecasting and early warning systems;

(d) the details of the measures taken by the Government to provide weather forecasts in local languages and through user-friendly formats; and

(e) the number of Gram Panchayats equipped with weather forecasting devices and trained personnel?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

(a) The Ministry of Earth Sciences implemented the Panchayat-level weather forecasting system/initiative on 24 October 2024, for all parts of the country. The weather forecast initiative aimed at Gram Panchayats across India emphasizes the importance of providing timely and localized weather information to nearly 2.6 lakh Panchayats. The innovative Mausamgram platform, developed by the India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, delivers precise weather forecasts, offering hourly updates for the immediate 36 hours and comprehensive forecasts for the next 10 days. These updates cover critical parameters such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, and cloud conditions-essential data that farmers need for informed decision-making regarding sowing, harvesting, and irrigation. The platform makes weather forecast information accessible anytime and anywhere at the Panchayat level across the country.

The forecasts will be disseminated through the digital platforms of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj: e-GramSwaraj, Meri Panchayat application, and Gram Manchitra application.

(b) To ensure the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasts provided at Gram Panchayat level, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has enhanced its weather sensor coverage across the country.

(c) The Ministry has organized a workshop and issued an advisory to spread knowledge and benefits to the Gram Panchayat level. Daily weather forecasts for Gram Panchayats are provided through the Ministry's portals and apps. In the event of a potential emergency, SMS alerts about extreme weather conditions are sent out.

(d) & (e) The weather forecast initiative targeting Gram Panchayats across India emphasized the importance of delivering timely and localized weather information to nearly 2.6 lakh Panchayats. Weather forecast information received from the IMD will be disseminated through the Ministry's user-friendly applications such as e-GramSwaraj, Meri Panchayat application, and Gram Manchitra application. The e-GramSwaraj application is available in 23 languages.

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