The Government of India plans to install automated weather stations (AWS) in each panchayat nationwide in a historic step to improve agricultural planning and disaster preparedness. Direct delivery of hyperlocal weather predictions to stakeholders at the grassroots level is the goal of the project, which is being led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 
Providing up-to-date information on rainfall and its possible effects is known as rainfall intensity tracking.
At the moment, Odisha forecasts the weather at the block level. Every panchayat in the state would receive customised predictions as a result of the AWS implementation, revolutionising disaster management and weather forecasting.
"AWS in every panchayat will complement the existing Doppler radar network, making Odisha a model state in disaster preparedness," said Suresh Pujari, minister of revenue and disaster management for the state.
In addition to disaster relief, the AWS initiative represents a big step towards providing rural areas with data and technology. The program would help farmers plan their agricultural activities by giving them timely weather information, which will increase production and decrease losses.
India is leading the globe in utilising technology to promote catastrophe resilience and grassroots development as it sets out on this ambitious path. When this project is finished, all citizens will have access to life-saving weather information, regardless of where they live.
Providing Panchayats with Up-to-Date Weather Information
According to the IMD, which is led by its Director-General, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, these stations will be able to measure variables including humidity, temperature, wind speed, and rainfall. Sarpanches and ward members are among the panchayat leaders who will have real-time access to this data and will be notified via SMS. It is anticipated that such actions will greatly improve readiness for natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and lightning strikes.Dr. Mohapatra continued, "With accurate, localised weather information, panchayats are able to reduce the impacts of disasters, safeguarding lives and livelihoods."
A National Rollout with Effects at the Local Level
The AWS project is expected to close the weather monitoring gap between the isolated highlands of Malkangiri and the busy suburbs of Cuttack. With a 5–6 km radius, these stations will provide accurate weather forecasts specific to each area. Important characteristics include:Providing up-to-date information on rainfall and its possible effects is known as rainfall intensity tracking.
- Storm Alerts: Providing timely thunderstorm alerts, including information on wind speed and direction.
- Temperature Monitoring: Presenting trends in daytime and nighttime temperatures.
- Forecasts for the Next Day: Giving communities the ability to prepare for sudden changes in the weather.
Vision and the Technological Foundation
The effort is in line with the "Har Har Mausam, Har Ghar Mausam" campaign, which aims to make meteorological data more accessible to everybody. This information is already available to citizens through the Mausam mobile app and website. Even more detailed data will be provided by the AWS deployments, which will support this endeavour.At the moment, Odisha forecasts the weather at the block level. Every panchayat in the state would receive customised predictions as a result of the AWS implementation, revolutionising disaster management and weather forecasting.
The Part Odisha Played in the Revolution
This program would be extremely beneficial to Odisha, a state that is regularly hit by cyclones, floods, and lightning. For the purpose of forecasting urban floods, the state now runs two Doppler radars in Paradip and Gopalpur, and another radar is scheduled to be erected in Bhubaneswar. India will have 126 Doppler radars in its network by 2026, with three more slated for Odisha.Trying to Avoid Any Casualties
The government's objective of reducing the number of fatalities from disasters is likewise anticipated to be greatly aided by the AWS network. Communities will be able to respond quickly to emergencies because to real-time weather information."AWS in every panchayat will complement the existing Doppler radar network, making Odisha a model state in disaster preparedness," said Suresh Pujari, minister of revenue and disaster management for the state.
Prospective Roadmap
By 2026, 53 additional Doppler radars are expected to be installed in India, which now has 73 in operation. This network will provide a strong infrastructure for disaster management and real-time weather monitoring when paired with AWS in each panchayat.In addition to disaster relief, the AWS initiative represents a big step towards providing rural areas with data and technology. The program would help farmers plan their agricultural activities by giving them timely weather information, which will increase production and decrease losses.
India is leading the globe in utilising technology to promote catastrophe resilience and grassroots development as it sets out on this ambitious path. When this project is finished, all citizens will have access to life-saving weather information, regardless of where they live.
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