How community-based weather data is bolstering this Wayanad panchayat’s demand for drought-hit status
In Kerala’s Wayanad district, the Thirunelly panchayat has set up a community‑run weather‑monitoring network that records rainfall at a hyperlocal level. The data enables officials to identify dry pockets and schedule water‑conservation measures. Citing the detailed observations and a looming El Niño, the panchayat has asked the state government to officially label the area as severely drought‑hit.