Monsoon goes digital: CG pushes weather alert apps

Raipur: The state government is scaling up the use of digital tools to keep citizens informed and safe during weather emergencies as the monsoon sets in across Chhattisgarh. The government’s awareness campaign highlights three mobile applications—Damini, Meghdoot, and Sachet—along with the 24-hour disaster helpline, 1070.

These platforms provide weather forecasts, safety advisories, and early warnings.The chief secretary, Vikas Sheel, has directed officials to launch widespread awareness campaigns for disaster management and weather forecasting mobile applications to ensure early warnings reach the public. Nearly 90% of Chhattisgarh’s annual rainfall occurs during the southwest monsoon, with July and August recording the heaviest downpours.

While the rainfall supports agriculture, it brings risks of floods, lightning strikes, and waterlogging.The Damini application tracks lightning risks. It provides advance alerts about lightning activity within a specific radius, allowing outdoor workers, farmers, and labourers to seek shelter before a thunderstorm intensifies. The application also lists safety guidelines to follow during storms.For the farming community, the Meghdoot application offers local weather updates and agricultural advisories.

Farmers can use these alerts to schedule sowing, irrigation, fertiliser application, and harvesting around weather changes, minimizing crop damage and reducing exposure to heavy rain.The Sachet application delivers real-time, geo-targeted alerts for multiple disaster scenarios. Users can receive notifications based on their current location or track other districts. It includes emergency contact numbers, safety protocols, and updates in 12 languages.Supporting these digital platforms is the round-the-clock state disaster helpline, 1070. Citizens can call this number to report emergencies, seek rescue assistance, or get official information during floods.Administrative officials stated that the utility of these tools rests on community adoption, as a timely lightning alert allows labourers to move indoors, and real-time flood updates help families evacuate vulnerable areas before conditions worsen.Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai has urged the public to download these applications.The chief minister has appealed the citizens that the timely information protects lives during the monsoon. Farmers, labourers, and citizens who work outdoors should use Sachet, Damini, and Meghdoot for regular weather updates and early warnings. These applications help individuals take precautions and avoid risks during severe weather. Citizens must also note the emergency helpline 1070 and share it with their families, the chief minister said.