Govt Launches Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting to Boost Climate Preparedness in Rural India

New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at bolstering climate resilience at the grassroots level, Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, (Dr.) Jitendra Singh, and Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel jointly launched the Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting initiative at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. This groundbreaking effort is the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

The initiative marks a key component of the Government’s 100 Days Agenda and aims to provide Gram Panchayats with five-day weather forecasts and hourly updates, empowering rural communities to better manage agricultural activities and prepare for weather-related risks. The collaboration reflects a Whole of Government approach, with multiple departments working together to bring transformative changes in grassroots governance.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “Weather Forecasting at the Gram Panchayat Level is a major step toward empowering the Indian economy and enhancing the Ease of Living for rural populations. Panchayats will now be better equipped to address climate challenges and improve decision-making for agriculture and disaster preparedness.” He also emphasized the critical role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in disseminating timely weather information to the public, which will help reduce agricultural losses and foster sustainable development.

Minister of State for Science and Technology & Earth Sciences, (Dr.) Jitendra Singh, commended the collaboration between MoPR and IMD, emphasizing that this initiative will “significantly boost disaster preparedness and contribute to building climate-resilient communities across India.” He attributed the accuracy of weather forecasting in recent years to technological advancements, including AI and machine learning, driven by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, noted the long-term benefits of this initiative in building empowered and self-reliant Panchayats. He urged for widespread public awareness about the advantages of weather forecasting at the local level, stressing that “rural India will play a pivotal role in realizing the dream of a developed nation through such forward-thinking initiatives.”

The launch event was attended by key dignitaries from the Ministries of Agriculture, Rural Development, and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), as well as Panchayat representatives from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, who expressed great enthusiasm for utilizing the new weather forecasting tools to improve agricultural outcomes and safeguard their communities from climate-related challenges.

Following the launch, a training workshop was held for over 200 participants, including elected representatives and Panchayati Raj officials. The workshop provided hands-on training to enhance the understanding and use of weather forecasting tools, empowering participants to implement climate-resilient strategies in their regions.

The weather forecasting data will be accessible through digital platforms such as the Meri Panchayat app, eGramSwaraj, and Gram Manchitra, streamlining governance and fostering transparency at the grassroots level.

The Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting initiative is a monumental step in empowering rural communities, helping them make informed decisions about agriculture, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure planning, while contributing to the nation’s progress toward a climate-resilient future.