**Summary:**
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has launched the Gram Panchayat Level Weather Forecasting (GPLWF) initiative in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR). Launched on October 24, 2024, the GPLWF aims to provide weather forecasts for nearly all Gram Panchayats across India. This initiative utilizes data from various instruments, including INSAT-3DR/3DS satellites, radars, radio sondes, and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), to monitor local weather conditions. While monitoring local weather is challenging, improvements in the meteorological observation network, including radar coverage (currently at 87% of the country), have substantially enhanced monitoring and early warning capabilities. Future expansion of the radar network will further improve these capabilities.
Gram Panchayat level weather forecasts are accessible via digital platforms such as eGramswaraj (https://egramswaraj.gov.in), the Meri Panchayat app, eManchitra of MoPR, and Mausamgram of IMD (https://mausamgram.imd.gov.in). The GPLWF provides critical weather parameters such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, and cloud conditions to aid farmers in making informed decisions about sowing, harvesting, and irrigation. Localized weather information is available hourly for up to a 36-hour lead period, 3-hourly from 36 hours to 5 days, and every 6 hours from 5 to 10 days. This information is disseminated through Pashu Sakhis and Krishi Sakhis under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development, as well as other Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, provided this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Earth Sciences: The Indian government ministry that launched the Gram Panchayat Level Weather Forecasting (GPLWF) initiative.
Gram Panchayat Level Weather Forecasting: A weather forecasting initiative (GPLWF) launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to provide weather forecasts at the Gram Panchayat level.
India Meteorological Department: The agency (IMD) collaborating with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for the Gram Panchayat Level Weather Forecasting initiative.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj: The ministry (MoPR) collaborating with the India Meteorological Department for the Gram Panchayat Level Weather Forecasting initiative.
Dadra Nagar Haveli: A Union Territory in India where local weather conditions are monitored.
Madhya Pradesh: A state in India where the weather forecast information is accessible at the panchayat level.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: An Indian government ministry under which Pashu Sakhis and Krishi Sakhis help disseminate weather information.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister of State Independent Charge for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space
Ministry of Earth Sciences
parliament question: PANCHAYAT LEVEL
WEATHER FORECASTING
Posted On: 20 AUG 2025 4:38PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has launched the Gram Panchayat Level Weather Forecasting (GPLWF)
initiative. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj
th
(MoPR), launched the GPLWF for nearly all Gram Panchayats across the country on 24 October 2024.
At present, monitoring of local weather conditions across the county, including Dadra Nagar Haveli, is done
through various instruments, including satellites (INSAT-3DR & 3DS), Radars, Radio Sondes, Automatic
Weather Station (AWS), etc.
The monitoring of local weather conditions is challenging. However, with the improvement in the meteorological
weather observation network, including radars in the country in recent years, the monitoring and early warning of
local weather has improved substantially. With the enhancement in the radar network and other observation
networks in the coming years, the monitoring and early warning of local weather conditions, particularly severe
weather conditions, will further improve.
Currently, DWR coverage is available for a large part of the country (about 87% of the total area of the country).
More radars as per the requirement will be established in the coming years so that the remaining gap areas are
covered and provide redundancy.
The gram panchayat level weather forecasts are accessible on digital platforms such as e-Gramswaraj
(https://egramswaraj.gov.in/), the Meri panchayat app, e-Manchitra of MoPR, and Mausamgram of IMD
(https://mausamgram.imd.gov.in/). The main aims and objectives of the GPLWF are to provide weather forecasts
up to Gram Panchayat Levels, covering 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, including Madhya Pradesh. This weather information reaches a larger number
of people through Pashu Sakhis and Krishi Sakhis under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the
Ministry of Rural Development, as well as other Self Help Groups (SHGs). The GPLWF helps farmers to have
access to localized weather information available hourly for up to a 36-hour lead period, 3-hourly from 36 hours
to the next five days, and every 6 hours from the next 5 days to 10 days.
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and
Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic
Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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NKR/PSM/AV
(Release ID: 2158407)