|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and various other departments, will launch two groundbreaking geoportals in New Delhi on 28 June 28 2024. This significant event will mark a pivotal moment in India’s geospatial and disaster management capabilities.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been at the forefront of developing geospatial databases, geoportals, and decision support systems to aid governance, sustainable development, and disaster management across the country. In response to the needs of various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, ISRO has recently updated two critical national-level geospatial databases:
- Bhuvan Panchayat (Version 4.0) for decentralised planning, developed for the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
- National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Version 5.0) for disaster management support, developed for the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Bhuvan Panchayat Geoportal (Version 4.0)
The Bhuvan Panchayat website provides access to a diverse array of geospatial content, including Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) imagery, maps, terrain data, and vector information such as administrative boundaries, soils, and census data. The platform is an online geospatial data and services dissemination tool designed to support the integration and utilisation of space-based information for governance and research initiatives, particularly in spatial planning at the Gram Panchayat level.
Developed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO, this WebGIS platform (accessible at https://bhuvanpanchayat.nrsc.gov.in/) enables visualisation, analysis, and sharing of Web Map Service (WMS) products. These products are generated under the Space-based Information Support for Decentralised Planning (SISDP) project, which operates at a detailed 1:10,000 scale. The platform employs state-of-the-art web technologies to ensure cross-platform and device interoperability, providing users with an optimal User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX).
National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Version 5.0)
The NDEM provides a comprehensive, uniform, structured, multi-scale geospatial database for the entire country, facilitating situational assessment and effective decision-making during emergencies. It serves as a national-level geoportal that amalgamates space-based information with Decision Support System (DSS) tools and services from disaster forecasting organisations. This integration addresses all phases of natural disasters, significantly contributing to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in India.
Operational since 2013, the NDEM hosts disaster-specific products derived from satellite imagery, complemented by a structured, seamless multi-scale geospatial database and multi-resolution satellite imagery. The updated NDEM Version 5.0, designed and developed using Angular and Modular Framework, aims to meet the evolving requirements of the Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER) being established by the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. This new version enhances dynamic content loading, service consistency, and overall performance, ensuring better disaster recovery and data provision capabilities.
Significance and Future Prospects
The launch of these updated geoportals marks a significant advancement in India’s use of geospatial technology for governance and disaster management. The Bhuvan Panchayat Geoportal Version 4.0 empowers local governance by providing detailed spatial data for effective planning and development at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, the NDEM Version 5.0 strengthens the country’s disaster management framework, ensuring that authorities can respond more swiftly and effectively to emergencies.
Dr Jitendra Singh’s initiative to launch these geoportals underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for sustainable development and disaster resilience. The integration of advanced geospatial tools into national planning and emergency management systems represents a critical step towards building a more resilient and well-governed India.
As these systems continue to evolve, they will play an increasingly vital role in supporting decision-making processes across various sectors, ultimately contributing to the nation’s long-term sustainability and security. The successful deployment and utilisation of these geoportals will serve as a model for other countries seeking to enhance their geospatial and disaster management capabilities.
