Centre informs Rajya Sabha: AI, weather models sharpen Telangana forecasts
New Delhi, March 6: The Union government on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha that rainfall forecasts for Telangana are being generated using numerical weather prediction and artificial intelligence-based models, aimed at strengthening flood forecasting and agro-meteorological advisories in the state.
In a written reply to a question from Rajya Sabha member Ravi Chandra Vaddiraju, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, detailed the measures being taken for advanced flood forecasts in the Godavari and Krishna rivers, expansion of seismic monitoring, and dissemination of weather advisories to farmers.
The minister stated that the Central Water Commission (CWC) is responsible for issuing flood forecasts to state governments at designated locations. In addition, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) operates 25 Flood Meteorological Offices across the country, which issue daily sub-basin-wise Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (QPFs) valid for up to seven days. These forecasts cover 220 sub-basins and are generated by combining numerical weather prediction models with AI-based systems, according to the response.
Numerical weather prediction uses mathematical models of the atmosphere to simulate future weather conditions, while AI models help refine these predictions by analysing large datasets and identifying patterns that traditional models may miss. Together, they provide more accurate and localised forecasts, which are crucial for flood-prone regions like the Godavari and Krishna river basins.
On the matter of earthquake monitoring, the minister informed that the National Center for Seismology (NCS), functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, monitors seismic activity across the country through its National Seismological Network (NSN). At present, one NCS observatory is operational in Hyderabad. The reply stated that the national network is capable of detecting and locating earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 and above occurring in Telangana.
For the farming community, the government highlighted that IMD regularly issues agro-meteorological advisories to farmers in Telangana. These advisories include block and panchayat-level weather forecasts that are made available through digital platforms such as the Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal. Additionally, advisories are disseminated via WhatsApp and through grassroots networks, including Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis—community-level volunteers who help bridge the gap between meteorological information and farmers.
The information provided in Parliament underlines the government's ongoing efforts to leverage technology for disaster preparedness and agricultural planning. The integration of AI and numerical modelling into weather forecasting is part of a broader push to make meteorological data more accessible and actionable for state governments and local communities.
The response comes amid growing concerns over extreme weather events, including floods and heatwaves, across the country. Accurate and timely forecasting is seen as a critical tool for minimising loss of life and property, as well as for supporting agricultural decision-making in a state where livelihoods are closely tied to monsoon rainfall.
