Hyderabad Class 12 student develops satellite-based weather device for villages without internet

The device, named SummitSathi, is designed to help communities in remote mountainous regions access weather information, particularly during heavy rainfall and snowfall when mobile networks may become unreliable or unavailable.

Aagam conceived the idea during a mountain-climbing trip near Dehradun. He encountered difficulties accessing weather information because of poor mobile connectivity. Conversations with local villagers further highlighted how unpredictable weather conditions and snowfall could disrupt everyday life in remote Himalayan communities.

Recognising the importance of reliable weather information in such areas, Aagam decided to develop a device that could receive information directly from weather satellites rather than relying on internet-based applications.

Unlike conventional weather applications that require internet connectivity, SummitSathi receives signals directly from passing weather satellites and processes them into cloud images that can be viewed locally. Each unit costs approximately ₹68,000.

The device was initially field-tested near Dehradun. Following the trial, Aagam refined the technology and developed a simple grading scale to help users interpret the weather conditions represented in the satellite images.

The project is particularly relevant to remote Himalayan settlements, where communication networks can be disrupted during extreme weather conditions. By making satellite imagery accessible locally, the device aims to provide communities with an additional source of information when conventional communication channels are unavailable.

Aagam is now preparing to distribute the devices free of cost to 10 villages in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district. The initiative is intended to make the technology accessible to local communities and encourage its practical use at the grassroots level.

The student has also clarified that SummitSathi is not an automated weather forecasting or cloudburst prediction system. It does not replace official forecasts or alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department. Instead, it is designed as a supplementary source of weather-related information.

SummitSathi is not Aagam's first initiative in the field of science and astronomy. He has spent 24 months recording night-sky brightness at 25 locations across Hyderabad to study light pollution and its impact on the visibility of stars and other celestial objects.

He has also self-published a book on astrophotography titled A Window to the Universe, reflecting his sustained interest in astronomy and observational science.

His latest project brings together his interests in astronomy, technology and mountain exploration to address a practical challenge faced by communities living in geographically remote areas.

Aagam's initiative demonstrates how curiosity and scientific thinking can translate into a solution with a potential social application. At a time when access to timely information can be critical for communities exposed to extreme weather, his project offers an interesting example of a young student's attempt to use technology to address real-world challenges.

The details of the project were highlighted in a LinkedIn post shared by Indus International School, Hyderabad.