Kanjiramattom: From now on, every drop of rain that falls in Amballoor panchayat will be accurately measured and recorded. Twelve rain gauges have been installed across the panchayat to track rainfall as part of a climate literacy campaign designed to bring science closer to the community.

The panchayat, spanning 22.58 sq. km, was divided into 11 grids, with a rain gauge placed in each. Local residents will report rainfall data from their respective areas through WhatsApp groups to the authorities. These inputs will be compiled to produce a detailed report analysing total rainfall and variations across the panchayat.

This initiative was implemented with the support of the Wayanad-based Hume Centre, Thuruthikkara Science Centre, Sustainable Foundation Thiruvananthapuram, and EDRAAC Amballoor zone. The installation was inaugurated by Dr K Ajith, scientist at the Cusat Radar Centre, with panchayat president Biju Thomas presiding over the event.

A R Ranjini, representing the Hume Centre, explained the project details. Other dignitaries who spoke included P A Thankachan, executive director of the Science Centre; Agnus Maria, Susthira program officer; K A Mukundan, EDRAAC zonal president T R Govindan, secretary K S Radhakrishnan, vice-chairman of the panchayat planning committee; standing committee chairpersons M M Basheer and Jalaja Maniyappan and ward members Beena Mukundan, Jessy Joya, and Aseena Shamal.