Syllabus
GS Paper II – Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential.
Context
India has recently introduced a new system to provide hyperlocal weather forecasts at the Gram Panchayat level. This initiative aims to empower rural communities with timely and accurate weather information.
Panchayat Level Weather Forecasts
Introduction
Recently, the Indian Government has taken a significant stride towards addressing the challenges posed by climate change and its impact on agriculture by launching the System of Weather Forecast at Gram Panchayat Level. This innovative initiative provides hyperlocal weather forecasts, updated hourly, for a period of five days. By empowering rural communities with granular weather information, this system aims to safeguard agricultural livelihoods, enhance disaster preparedness, and bolster overall resilience in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Hyperlocal Weather Forecasting: Empowering Rural India
- A new era of granular weather information: India has taken a significant step towards empowering rural communities with the launch of a hyperlocal weather forecasting system at the Gram Panchayat level. This initiative, a joint venture of the Panchayati Raj Ministry, India Meteorological Department (IMD), and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is a cornerstone of the Government’s 100 Days Agenda.
- A holistic approach to rural development: By providing real-time, localized weather forecasts for a period of five days, this initiative aims to enhance disaster preparedness and agricultural productivity.
- Leveraging technology for rural upliftment: The system utilizes Gram Panchayat boundary data to deliver accurate and timely weather information.
- Broadening the reach of weather information: The forecasts will be disseminated through various digital platforms, including Mausamgram, e-GramSwaraj, and the Meri Panchayat app.
- A nationwide initiative: The government aims to extend the benefits of this initiative to nearly 2.6 lakh Gram Panchayats across the country.
Key Features of Hyperlocal Weather Forecasting
- Real-time alerts for extreme weather events: The system will send SMS alerts to Panchayat representatives about impending cyclones and heavy rainfall, enabling timely action to mitigate risks.
- Hourly updates on weather conditions: Users can access minute-by-minute data on temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, rainfall, and humidity at the Gram Panchayat level.
- Five-day weather forecasts: The system provides detailed forecasts for the next five days, including minimum and maximum temperatures, rainfall patterns, cloud cover, wind direction, and wind speed.
- Granular coverage: The forecasts are currently available at the district and block levels. However, the system aims to provide hyperlocal forecasts at the 1 km x 1 km level in the future.
- Enhanced accuracy: The system can currently forecast weather events within a 12 km x 12 km area. Experimental forecasts are being conducted for 3 km x 3 km grids.
Leveraging Technology for Rural Development: Key Digital Initiatives
- Mausamgram: A Digital Window to the Weather:
- A people-centric approach: This IMD initiative aims to bring hyperlocal weather information to every household.
- Timely and accurate forecasts: Mausamgram provides hourly, 3-hourly, and 6-hourly forecasts for the next ten days.
- Enhancing weather resilience: Mission Mausam will further strengthen the capabilities of Mausamgram to improve weather forecasting and climate resilience.
- e-GramSwaraj: Empowering Panchayats:
- Streamlining rural development: This Ministry of Panchayat Raj initiative facilitates the planning and execution of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).
- Promoting transparency and accountability: e-GramSwaraj enables real-time monitoring of rural development activities.
- Meri Panchayat App: A One-Stop Solution for Rural India:
- Digitalizing rural governance: This app aims to create a unified platform for rural residents, officials, and stakeholders.
- Consolidating services: It integrates various services and information into a single mobile application, simplifying access for Gram Panchayats.
Benefits of Hyperlocal Weather Forecasting for the Public
- Enhanced Disaster Management: By providing real-time weather updates, the system can significantly reduce the loss of life and property due to meteorological disasters.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Farmers can make informed decisions about sowing, irrigation, and harvesting, leading to increased agricultural productivity and sustainable farming practices.
- Improved Livelihoods: By optimizing agricultural practices and reducing losses, farmers can enhance their incomes and improve their standard of living.
- Strengthened Grassroots Governance: The system empowers Gram Panchayats to make data-driven decisions and implement tailored solutions for their communities.
- Climate-Resilient Rural Communities: By providing timely weather information, the system helps rural communities to adapt to climate change and build resilience against weather-related risks.
Conclusion
The launch of hyperlocal weather forecasting at the Gram Panchayat level marks a significant step towards empowering rural India. By providing real-time, accurate weather information, this initiative can revolutionize agriculture, enhance disaster management, and strengthen grassroots governance. However, challenges such as ensuring widespread digital literacy and reliable internet connectivity in rural areas need to be addressed to maximize the impact of this initiative. As India continues to invest in technology and infrastructure, the potential of hyperlocal weather forecasting to transform rural lives is immense.
Reference: IE
Related PYQ
Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. [UPSC CSE – 2022 Mains]
Practice Question
In the context of climate change and its impact on agriculture, discuss the significance of hyperlocal weather forecasting systems at the Gram Panchayat level in India. How can these systems contribute to sustainable agriculture, disaster management, and rural development? [150 words]
Guidelines to answer this question
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the concept of hyperlocal weather forecasting and its importance in the Indian context.
- Significance of Hyperlocal Weather Forecasting:
- Explain how it can help farmers make informed decisions about sowing, irrigation, and harvesting.
- Discuss its role in early warning systems for natural disasters.
- Highlight its potential to improve agricultural productivity and income.
- Impact on Sustainable Agriculture:
- Explain how it can help in precision agriculture and efficient resource utilization.
- Discuss its role in promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
- Role in Disaster Management:
- Explain how it can help in early warning systems for floods, droughts, and cyclones.
- Discuss its potential to reduce loss of life and property.
- Contribution to Rural Development:
- Explain how it can empower rural communities.
- Discuss its potential to improve rural livelihoods.
- Challenges and Limitations:
- Discuss the challenges in implementing and maintaining such systems, such as digital literacy and infrastructure.
- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and emphasize the importance of hyperlocal weather forecasting in India’s development journey.