Meghdoot, Damini Apps: Empowering farmers, villagers to face monsoon challenges

Raipur (Team Newsbuddy) : Encouraging safety and preparedness among farmers and villagers, two essential companions are now at their fingertips. The Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, has launched the Meghdoot and Damini apps, providing vital weather-related information and lightning protection, respectively. Farmers in Chhattisgarh, where agricultural activities start with the monsoon season, can now rely on these innovative tools for enhanced safety and productivity.

The Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the Chhattisgarh Government has directed all collectors to actively promote both apps through field staff and various departments, and raise awareness in villages through ‘Munadi’.

Accurate weather information is essential for farmers, facilitating organized and efficient farming practices. Through the Meghdoot app, farmers gain access to comprehensive weather forecasts, including temperature, rainfall conditions, wind speed, and direction, tailored to their specific regions.

With the onset of the monsoon, lightning incidents pose significant risks, leading to human and animal casualties. The Damini app addresses this concern by providing lightning forecasts within a radius of 20 to 31 kilometers. This proactive approach aims to reduce losses and safeguard lives and livestock.

Understanding the mechanics of lightning formation

Understanding the formation of lightning is crucial for staying safe during thunderstorms. When cold air condenses to form clouds, the interaction between hot and cold air generates electric charges, resulting in lightning. The discharge seeks a path to the ground, often favoring conductive mediums such as metal and trees. Therefore, it’s advised to avoid proximity to electric poles, trees, and metal objects during rainy weather, and exercise caution with electrical devices. Minimizing mobile phone usage during lightning activity is also recommended.