Collectorate chatbot to provide real time weather updates and disaster helpline support
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Now, in addition to complaint handling, the chatbot offers real-time weather updates, flood alerts, and direct access to emergency contacts, making it a lifeline in times of crisis.
Earlier, users texting 'Hi' to the chatbot at 8669494944 would get three choices: Collectorate, Tehsil Office, and Nagar Parishad. In a recent update, the Tehsil Office and Nagar Parishad were merged into one option. The third option was replaced with a new 'Disaster Management' section, considered a critical feature as the monsoon approaches.
"It's not just about convenience, it's about saving time when it matters most. We've made sure citizens have all the information they need, right in their phones," said a senior official from the district administration, who confirmed the rollout.
Once inside the Disaster Management section, users can access real-time weather forecasts for the next five days, complete with rainfall predictions, temperature highs and lows, and official warnings issued for the region.
The data isn't generic; it's location-specific and updated in real time to reflect the latest alerts from meteorological and disaster authorities.
The service goes much further. Users can also check current water levels in lakes, rivers, and dams across the district, which is considered a crucial tool in flood-prone areas. In addition, the chatbot provides PDFs and official documents, including the district's Disaster Management Plan, the Heatwave Action Plan, maps showing flood-prone villages, water flow maps, and detailed rainfall analysis broken down by taluka.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Sources in the department said that while the new feature was rolled out and is already accessible to the public, some elements are still a work in progress and will be fully functional in the coming days. From precautions to take in extreme weather to legal guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, the platform is packed with practical, actionable content.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
06-08-2025
- Business Standard
Delhi-NCR may see some showers; schools shut in Himachal amid heavy rain
Delhi-NCR is likely to experience light to very light rainfall today evening, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The sky is expected to remain generally cloudy throughout the day. Temperatures are forecast to remain moderate, with the maximum likely to hover between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may settle around 26 degrees Celsius. On Wednesday, Delhi recorded a minimum of 26.1 degrees Celsius, which is 0.8 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average and the lowest so far this season. The IMD's daily bulletin indicates that a few spells of very light to light rain or thundershowers are expected at many places, with isolated locations possibly witnessing light rain in the afternoon and evening. At 8.30 am, the relative humidity was 80 per cent. The maximum temperature is expected to settle at 33 degrees Celsius. Air quality remains 'satisfactory' Delhi's air quality remained in the 'satisfactory' category on Thursday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 98 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 51 and 100 is considered 'satisfactory', while levels below 50 are 'good'. Rivers cross danger mark in UP In Uttar Pradesh, the Saryu River in Ayodhya breached the danger mark on Wednesday following heavy rainfall, as reported by ANI. In Varanasi, the Ganga River rose significantly due to persistent downpours, flooding several residential areas and causing serious inconvenience to residents. Schools closed in Himachal Pradesh The IMD has issued a warning for light to moderate rainfall across several Himachal Pradesh districts, including Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu. Heavy and continuous rainfall in Shimla prompted authorities to shut all educational institutions in six subdivisions—Chopal, Kumarsain, Rampur, Sunni, Jubbal, and Theog—on August 6 under the Disaster Management Act. This includes all government and private schools, colleges, ITIs, and Anganwadis. Other districts, such as Solan and Sirmaur have also announced closures based on local conditions and safety concerns.
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Time of India
Cloudburst wreaks havoc in Himachal Pradesh: 413 Kinner Kailash pilgrims rescued by ITBP; daring rope-bridge op hailed
NEW DELHI: A massive rescue operation was launched by the (ITBP) after a flash flood struck the Tangling area along the Kinner Kailash Yatra route, stranding hundreds of pilgrims on the treacherous mountain trail. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A total of 413 pilgrims were rescued by ITBP personnel from the 17th Battalion using a rope-based traverse crossing technique, a high-risk method often employed in high-altitude emergencies. The operation was led by a Gazetted Officer, assisted by four subordinate officers and 29 other ranks, in coordination with a 14-member (NDRF) team. The flash flood, triggered by intense rainfall in the upper reaches, cut off the narrow and steep path used by devotees participating in the revered Kinner Kailash Yatra. Many of those rescued had been stranded for hours in challenging weather conditions. Weather warnings across hill state The IMD has said that light to moderate rainfall across most districts and intense to very intense rainfall may occure in parts of Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Mandi. Meanwhile, heavy and continuous downpour has disrupted normal life in Shimla, prompting widespread school closures. Authorities in six subdivisions—Chopal, Kumarsain, Rampur, Sunni, Jubbal, and Theog—have shut all educational institutions, including government and private schools, colleges, ITIs, and Anganwadis, under the Disaster Management Act. The closures follow nonstop rainfall since midnight, which raised the risk of landslides and flash floods. In several subdivisions, local officials issued orders urging staff to follow standard operating procedures and remain on alert. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Monsoon toll: 194 According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the state has suffered 194 fatalities and cumulative losses of Rs 1,85,251.98 lakh between June 20 and August 5 this year due to monsoon-related disasters. Of the total deaths, 108 were directly caused by rain-triggered incidents like landslides, flash floods, and building collapses. (With agency inputs)
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Time of India
Himachal Rains: Schools, colleges shut in Shimla's six sub-divisions as IMD warns of rainfall
Shimla: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather warning at 6:30 am today, forecasting light to moderate rainfall at most places in Himachal Pradesh, with a few spells of intense to very intense rainfall likely in the districts of Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla , Sirmaur, and Mandi over the next 3 to 4 hours. Additionally, light to moderate rainfall is expected at many places in Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Lahul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kullu districts. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Heavy and continuous rainfall has disrupted normal life in Shimla, leading to the closure of most educational institutions in the district. Authorities in six subdivisions--Chopal, Kumarsain, Rampur, Sunni, Jubbal, and Theog--have ordered the closure of all educational institutions, including government and private schools, colleges, ITIs, and Anganwadis, on August 6, under the Disaster Management Act to ensure the safety of children and prevent any untoward incidents. In Chopal, Kumarsain, Rampur, Sunni, and Jubbal subdivisions, the decision was made in response to relentless rainfall since midnight. Live Events Similarly, in the Theog sub-division, continuous heavy rainfall since the previous night prompted the closure of all educational institutions, with staff directed to follow standing government orders. The closures aim to mitigate risks amid the ongoing adverse weather conditions. Most of the districts in the state, including Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur institutions, are being closed as per development by the concerned SDMs in their respective sub-divisions. Meanwhile, the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway remains closed due to heavy rainfall and landslides between Mandi and Kullu. Himachal Pradesh has reported a total of 194 deaths and a cumulative loss of over Rs 1,85,251.98 lakh during the monsoon season from June 20 to August 5 this year, according to a report by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). The report, "Cumulative Statement Showing Damage During Monsoon Season-2025," details the significant human and property losses across the state. According to the SDMA report, a total of 108 deaths were directly related to rain-triggered incidents.
