Maharashtra (India), June 28: The Maharashtra government has announced plans to install Automated Weather Stations (AWS) in every village across the state as part of the Union Government’s Weather Information Network Data System (WINDS) project.
Previously, AWS were only installed at the revenue circle level. Now, a Government Resolution (GR) has been issued to expand AWS coverage to each village, ensuring precise weather forecasting to benefit farmers and citizens. The initiative aims to provide localized weather data crucial for agriculture, timely disaster warnings, and effective financial assistance during natural calamities.
The WINDS project’s goals include accurate weather information delivery, weather-based agricultural advisories, support for agrometeorological research, and provision of critical data during disasters like cyclones, droughts, floods, earthquakes, and more.
AWS units will record key weather parameters—temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, and direction—at the Gram Panchayat level. This data, processed using AI systems, will help issue timely guidance to farmers, especially during extreme weather events.
According to the GR issued Friday, the state government will set up AWS at Gram Panchayat levels excluding areas already covered under the revenue circle system. Approval has been granted to proceed under the WINDS Manual, 2023. Five WINDS Implementation Partners (WIPs) have been shortlisted: Azista Industries (Ahmedabad), National Commodities Management Services (Hyderabad), Ingen Technologies (Kanpur), Skymet Weather Services (Noida), and Obel Systems (Secunderabad). The Agriculture Commissioner will oversee financial bidding, contract signing, and implementation, with each WIP assigned 2-3 revenue circles. AWS installations must be completed within one month of issuing the work order.
Each AWS setup will have a WINDS Local Guardian (WLG) from the Gram Panchayat for supervision, calibration, and maintenance. The WIP is responsible for repairs and replacement of damaged or stolen equipment, following technical standards outlined in the WINDS Manual.
Data collected by the AWS will be uploaded hourly to the central WINDS portal, managed by the Central Government. Quality Assurance Partners (QAP) will audit and monitor data accuracy, with project costs covered by the PMFBY FIAT fund. The Agriculture Commissioner is authorized to frame guidelines, SOPs, and terms for the project, ensuring uniformity and effective execution.
This ambitious expansion of AWS is expected to revolutionize weather-based support for farmers and bolster disaster preparedness across Maharashtra.