1 | P a g e
RS & GIS ORGANIZATIONS & INITIATIVES IN INDIA
NRSC (National Remote Sensing Centre) at Hyderabad has been converted into a full-fledged
centres of ISRO since September 1, 2008. Earlier, NRSC was an autonomous body called National
Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) under Department of Space (DOS). The Centre is responsible for
remote sensing satellite data acquisition and processing, data dissemination, aerial remote sensing and
decision support for disaster management.
NRSC has set up data reception station at Shadnagar near Hyderabad for acquiring data from Indian
remote sensing satellites as well as others. The Centre is also engaged in executing remote sensing
application projects in collaboration with the users. Currently NRSC is supplying data from CartoSat - 1, 2,
2A & 2B, ResourceSat - 1 & 2, OceanSat, TES, IRS - 1D and IMS - 1 to the users. The users are ever
growing and utilized about 67,000 data products during 2010-11 in comparison with that of 50,000 during
2009-10.
National Remote Sensing Centre, located at Hyderabad is one of the centres of the Indian Space
Research Organisation(ISRO), striving to realize the Indian Space Vision, as a key player in Earth
Observation Programme and Disaster Management Support programme. NRSC is responsible for
acquisition, processing, supply of aerial and satellite remote sensing data and continuously exploring the
practical uses of remote sensing technology for multilevel (global to local) applications. It provides the
necessary trained manpower through capacity building in remote sensing applications. NRSC has wealth
of images from Indian and foreign remote sensing satellites in its archives and also has the capability to
acquire data pertaining to any part of the globe on demand. NRSC also supports, through ANTRIX,
establishment of International Ground Stations and International reseller network to receive, process and
market IRS data products globally. NRSC provides end-to-end solutions for utilisation of data for natural
resource management, geospatial applications and information services. NRSC facilitates several remote
sensing & GIS application projects for natural resources and environmental management catering to food
security, water security, energy security and sustainable development. NRSC is also providing single
window, disaster management support services through the Decision Support Centre. Recently NRSC
has started to give its services on Land use Land cover of India under an Information portal
called BHOOSAMPADA. The major objective of this portal is- Dissemination and Sharing of Geo-spatial
Information Derived from IRS Data on Land use and Land cover of India.
The Survey of India (SOI) is India's central engineering agency in charge of mapping and
surveying. Set up in 1767[1] to help consolidate the territories of the British East India Company, it is one
of the oldest Engineering Departments of the Government of India. The Survey of India's distinguished
history includes the handling of the mammoth Great Trigonometrical Survey under William Lambton and
George Everest and the discovery of Mt. Everest.[2] Its members are from Survey of India Service cadre
of Civil Services of India.
Survey of India publishes maps and the unrestricted category maps can be obtained at very reasonable
prices from its several Geo-spatial data centers. Restricted category maps require due approval from
government authorities. Many other rules govern the sale and use of Survey of India maps. Only an
Indian citizen may purchase topographic maps and these may not be exported from India for any reason.
2 | P a g e
The Survey of India, headquartered at Dehra Dun, has 18 civil engineering divisions ranging from the
prediction of tides to aerial survey. It has 23 Geo-spatial Data Centers spread across India, each catering
to the respective administrative area.Surveyors are the back bone of Survey of India.
Vision: Survey of India will take a leadership role in providing user focused, cost effective, reliable and
quality geospatial data, information and intelligence for meeting the needs of national security,
sustainable national development, and new information markets.
Mission: Survey of India dedicates itself to the advancement of theory, practice, collection and
applications of geospatial data, and promotes an active exchange of information, ideas, and technological
innovations amongst the data producers and users who will get access to such data of highest possible
resolution at an affordable cost in the near real-time environment.
Activities/ Charter of Duties: The Survey of India acts as adviser to the Government of India on all
survey matters, viz Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Mapping and Map Reproduction. However, the main
duties and responsibilities of the Survey of India are enumerated below:
All Geodetic Control (Horizontal and Vertical) and Geodetic and Geophysical surveys.
All Topographical Control, Surveys and Mapping within India.
Mapping and Production of Geographical Maps and Aeronautical Charts.
Surveys for Developmental Projects.
Survey of Forests, Cantonments, large scale city surveys, guide maps, cadastral surveys etc.
Survey and Mapping of special maps.
Spellings of Geographical names.
Demarcation of the External Boundaries of the Republic of India, their depiction on maps
published in the country and also advice on the demarcation of inter-state boundaries.
Training of officers and staff required for the Department, trainees from Central Government
Departments and States and trainees from Foreign Countries as are sponsored by the
*Government of India.
Research and Development in Cartography, Printing, Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Topographical
Surveys and Indigenisation.
Prediction of tides at 44 ports including 14 foreign ports and publication of Tide Tables one year
in advance to support navigational activities.
Scrutiny and Certification of external boundaries of India and Coastline on maps published by the
other agencies including private publishers.
NATMO (National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization), Kolkata: The plan of
compiling a National Atlas of India was formulated for the first time in this country by Prof. S.P.Chatterjee,
the then Professor of Geography, Calcutta University. A discussion on this subject with late Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru in 1953 resulted in his instant approval of the project. The then Ministry of Natural
Resources & Scientific Research after consultation with other Ministries decided to set up an Advisory
Board in March 1954 for formulating a scheme for preparation of National Atlas of India. The Advisory
Board gave a favourable report and also provided a tentative guideline about the scope and contents of
the atlas. Subsequently in April 1954 the same Ministry sanctioned a skeleton staff of 7 posts on a
temporary basis to help Professor S.P.Chatterjee in giving shape to the Board‟s suggestions.
The order also sanctioned creation of additional 56 temporary posts and Padma Bhusan Prof.
S.P.Chatterjee was appointed as the Honorary Director of the Project. The institution thus created was
named National Atlas Organization. The Geography Department of the Calcutta University located at
Senate House in those days provided the first shelter to the organization.
3 | P a g e
The small group of workers officially known as National Atlas Unit drafted maps on various topics for the
proposed atlas. These were examined by different experts in Planning Commission and in the Ministries.
The authorities were eventually impressed and convinced about the essentiality of the project and on
August 18, 1956 an order from the Government of India issued by the Ministry of N.R. & S.R. sanctioned
a budget grant of Rs. 12.43 lakhs for 1956-57.
The first National Atlas of India in Hindi popularly known as Bharat: Rashtriya Atlas having a 26 multi-
colour maps with a scale of 1:5 million portraying a comprehensive physical and socio-cultural structure of
the country was published in 1957 and was acclaimed the world over as a unique publication.
Consequent upon the success of Bharat: Rashtriya Atlas, the organization decided to prepare an
ambitious project containing 300 plates which covered all the aspects of the land, people and economy of
the country. This atlas was issued in 8 volumes. Apart from the above project, the organization also took
up various projects either from outside agencies or its own.
The organization grew in strength in the successive plan periods and took up projects of great national
importance. The Government appointed a Review Committee in December 1975 under the Chairmanship
of Prof. George Kurian and as per recommendation of the Committee, the Department of Science and
Technology through an order dated 9th August 1978, modified the name of the Organization as “National
Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO)”.
National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization is a specialized institution of its kind in the world. This
organization was assigned with responsibility in the field of thematic cartography and geographical
research at national level. It has grown in size, activities, popularity and prestige since its inception and
has established itself by making substantial contribution towards the nation‟s effort for socio-economic
revival.
A subordinate office under Department of Science & Technology, it is the sole authority for depicting
National framework data in the form of thematic maps and atlases to cater the actual picture of the
development and planning initiatives of the country among the users. Keeping pace with the modern state
of the art technologies and also to achieve the goal as per its mission in the arena of geo-spatial
technologies, NATMO has already progressed a lot.
It employs a large number of highly qualified professional geographers, perhaps largest, under one roof
anywhere in the world. The Organization has a total sanctioned strength of 322.
Forest Survey of India (FSI) is a premier national organization under the union Ministry of
Environment and Forests, responsible for assessment and monitoring of the forest resources of the
country regularly. In addition, it is also engaged in providing the services of training, research and
extension. Established on June 1,1981, the Forest Survey of India succeeded the "Preinvestment Survey
of Forest Resources" (PISFR), a project initiated in 1965 by Government of India with the sponsorship of
FAO and UNDP.
The main objective of PISFR was to ascertain the availability of raw material for establishment of wood
based industries in selected areas of the country. In its report in 1976, the National Commission on
Agriculture (NCA) recommended for the creation of a National Forest Survey Organization for a regular,
periodic and comprehensive forest resources survey of the country leading to creation of FSI. After a
critical review of activities undertaken by FSI, Government of India redefined the mandate of FSI in 1986
in order to make it more relevant to the rapidly changing needs and aspirations of the country.
4 | P a g e
Objectives:
To prepare State of Forest Report biennially, providing assessment of latest forest cover in the
country and monitoring changes in these.
To conduct inventory in forest and non-forest areas and develop database on forest tree
resources.
To prepare thematic maps on 1:50,000 scale, using aerial photographs.
To function as a nodal agency for collection, compilation, storage and dissemination of spatial
database on forest resources.
To conduct training of forestry personnel in application of technologies related to resources
survey, remote sensing, GIS, etc.
To strengthen research & development infrastructure in FSI and to conduct research on applied
forest survey techniques.
To support State/UT Forest Departments (SFD) in forest resources survey, mapping and
inventory.
To undertake forestry related special studies/consultancies and custom made training courses for
SFD's and other organisations on project basis.
Major Activities:
Forest Cover Assessment
Inventory of Forest areas.
Thematic Maps.
Inventory of Trees Outside Forests (Rural & Urban).
Inventory data processing.
Methodology Design.
Training and Extension.
Projects and Consultancies.
Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) Dehradun, under Indian Space Research
Organisation, Department of Space, Govt. of India is a premier Training and Educational Institute set up
for developing trained professionals in the field of Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics and GPS Technology
for Natural Resources, Environmental and Disaster Management.
It functions as a constituent Unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space,
Government of India. Formerly known as Indian Photo-interpretation Institute (IPI), founded in 1966, the
Institute boasts to be the first of its kind in entire South-East Asia. While nurturing its primary endeavour
to build capacity among the user community by training mid-career professionals, the Institute has
enhanced its capability and evolved many training & education programmes that are tuned to meet the
requirements of various target groups, ranging from fresh graduates to policy makers including academia.
The Institute campus also houses the headquarters of the Centre for Space Science and Technology
Education in Asia and The Pacific (CSSTEAP), affiliated to the United Nations and first of its kind
established in the region in 1995. IIRS provides support to conduct all its remote sensing and GIS training
& education programmes at postgraduate level. The headquarters of Indian Society of Remote Sensing
(ISRS), the largest non-governmental scientific society in the country, is also located in the Institute
campus.
5 | P a g e
History & Objectives
Formerly known as Indian Photo-interpretation Institute (IPI), the Institute was founded on 21st April 1966
under the aegis of Survey of India (SOI). It was established with the collaboration of the Government of
The Netherlands on the pattern of Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the
University of Twente, formerly known as International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences,
The Netherlands. The original idea of setting the Institute came from India's first Prime Minister Pandit
Jawahar Lal Nehru during his visit to The Netherlands in 1957.
History: The Institute's building at Kalidas Road, Dehradun was inaugurated on May 27, 1972. Since its
founding, the Institute has been playing a key role in capacity building in remote sensing and
geoinformatics technology and their applications for the benefit of the user community from India and
abroad.
Keeping pace with the technological advances, the Institute has enhanced its capability with time, to fulfill
the increased responsibility and demand from Indian and international community. Today, it has
programmes for all levels of users, i.e. mid-career professionals, researchers, academia, fresh graduates
and policy makers. The sustained efforts by its dedicated faculty and the management have made the
institute remain in the forefront throughout its journey of about four and a half decades from a photo-
interpretation institute to an institute of an international stature in the field of remote sensing and geo-
information science.
Objectives: Capacity building in the field of Remote Sensing & Geoinformatics and their applications in
natural resource management, earth and atmospheric sciences, oceanography, urban & infrastructure
development, environment and disaster management, through:
Special and customised training programmes as per the need of stakeholders.
Educational programmes at post graduate level and undertake applied research.
Capacity building in the field of remote sensing and Geoinformatics through:
Quality education and training programmes as per the state-of-art technology, need of
stakeholders and continual improvement by periodic course curricula revision, infrastructure
upgradation, feedback and faculty improvement.
OR
The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),
Department of Space, Government of India is a premier education, training and research institute for
capacity building in the field of Remote Sensing, Geo-information, positioning & navigation technology
and its applications. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), formerly known as Indian Photo-
Interpretation Institute (IPI), was set up in 1966 under the aegis of the Survey of India to provide
comprehensive training with hands on experience of the emerging technology. Institute was merged with
National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) in July 1976, and in the year 1980, NRSA came under the
umbrella of Department of Space (Government of India). Since September 1, 2008, IIRS as part of NRSC
was inducted under the ISRO umbrella, and presently IIRS reorganized as a separate entity of ISRO with
effect from April 30, 2011.
IIRS endeavor has been to train thematic experts from user community including academic institutions in
RS & GIS technology / applications at Post Graduate level with the overall goal of 'technology transfer'
and user awareness. The Institute has evolved many programs that are tuned to the different needs of
various target groups.
6 | P a g e
IIRS conducts a variety of courses for the different categories of users including fresh postgraduate
students viz., M. Tech., M.Sc., PG Diploma Courses, 2 months NNRMS sponsored courses for University
Faculty, 2 weeks on demand Special Courses and 1 week duration Overview Course for Decision
Makers.
IIRS has trained nearly 8000 alumni including 750 plus foreign trainees from 77 countries of Asia and
Africa. The latter have taken benefit from ISRO SHARES Fellowship Program, ITEC/SCAAP Fellowship
Scheme of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and other Fellowship Schemes etc. In
addition, IIRS houses state of the art infrastructure facilities for both RS and GIS. It has experienced and
internationally known teaching faculty with specialization in RS, GIS & GPS Technology and its
applications.
IIRS is the host institute as well as, headquarters for the Centre for Space Science and Technology
Education for Asia and Pacific (CSSTE-AP) region under United Nations. It is first of its kind established
in the region and conducts regular postgraduate and short courses in Remote Sensing and GIS every
year since 1996.
IIRS has been recognized by National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) to conduct
specialized courses for the duration of 8 weeks every year for University faculty at Postgraduate level so
that they are able to impart education on specific subjects on Remote Sensing and GIS in their area of
specialization and/or start new programs like M.Tech / M.Sc / Postgraduate diploma with emphasis on RS
& GIS application in their institutions. IIRS has trained nearly 800 University faculty spread all over India.
Many universities have been benefited from the IIRS training programs and have started RS & GIS
courses at postgraduate level with institutional support from IIRS.
IIRS for the first time launched Distance Learning Program i.e. EDUSAT based training program on
Basics of RS, GIS and GPS and conducted six such programs (including one special course on
Advances in Geoinformatics) from 2007 to 2011 for more sixty universities / institutions at postgraduate
level spread across India, training more than 4000 students. University students attending their
undergraduate/postgraduate programs in their own disciplines as part of acquiring the basic degree can
also attend IIRS Outreach Certificate Program in parallel, broadening the scope in the new and
challenging field of Geoinformatics.
National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) (www.nnrms.gov.in/)
Spatial Information, images and maps, forms the foundation and basis for most planning and
implementation of developmental activities; infrastructure development; disaster management support;
environmental monitoring; natural resources management; business geographics and many other
national activities. Even common citizen's require maps and spatial information for their localized
decision-making. Generating the information on the nation's natural resources and its infrastructure;
updating and maintaining the information sets and integrating these with administrative and social
datasets provides the most optimal and scientific decision-alternatives in support of national development.
This is the primary driver for the Government of India to establish, in 1983, the National Natural
Resources Management System (NNRMS).
NNRMS supports the optimal utilisation of country's natural resources and supports developmental needs
by generating a proper and systematic inventory of natural resources and provides integrated solutions
for its optimal utilisation and management. In doing so, NNRMS adopts various advanced technologies of
7 | P a g e
satellite and aerial remote sensing; Geographical Information Systems (GIS); precise Positioning
Systems; database and networking infrastructure and advanced ground-based survey techniques.
Over the years, NNRMS has carried out a number of projects/programmes that has provided the impetus
to use data from the Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) series, GIS techniques through:
Over the years, NNRMS has carried out a number of projects/programmes that has provided the impetus
to use data from the Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) series, GIS techniques through:
National mapping missions of NNRMS - wherein mapping and inventory of forests, wastelands,
land use, surface water-bodies, wetlands, coastal landuse, ground-water targets, urban landuse
etc have provided the basis for managing these resources to the different ministries and users
Use of satellite images and GIS for user-demanded resource management applications like crop
production estimation, land and water resources optimization in watersheds, urban planning and
management, coastal zone regulation, environmental impact analysis, landslides hazard zonation
etc - where decision-support information is generated.
Creation of large-area databases, covering many states, have been generated under the Natural
Resources Information Systems (NRIS) and Disaster Management System (DMS) project of
NNRMS - which has developed standardized GIS databases for states and software tools to
support the planning and governance needs of the states.
The NNRMS activities have been restructured in the recent times to reflect the changing technological
and applications dimensions in the country and elsewhere. Accordingly, a 3-tier strategy is being
considered with the following direction:
Organizing the spatial databases with GIS capabilities and working towards a Natural Resources
Repository with front-end NNRMS portal for data and value added services - (NR Repository)
Taking cognizance of the convergent technologies, integrating satellite communications and
remote sensing applications for disaster management and Village Resource Centers with the
concept of working with the community – (VRC Programme)
User funded projects meeting the objectives/goals of the user departments/agencies both at the
national and regional/local scale – (User Projects)
It is envisaged that such an integrated approach with close inter-related horizontal and vertical
connectivity will provide an organized NNRMS data and value added services directly to the communities
for grass-root level development.
NRDMS: The Programme (http://www.nrdms.gov.in/about_nrdms.asp#)
Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) programme was initiated in 1982 by the
Department of Science and Technology as a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional R&D programme.
The evolution of the programme has been discussed below in details by dividing it into three decades viz.
1st decade from 1982-92, 2nd decade from 1992-2002 and 3rd decade 2002 onwards.
First decade (1982-92), During this period , national planning exercise was in transition from national to
local, while the planning philosophy was sectoral . The Planning commission introduced concept of
spatial planning to smaller area levels. Pertinently, vision of the NRDMS programme during its inception
was to provide S&T inputs for operationalsing the concept of Decentralized Planning of the country. Goal
of the programme was to develop computer compatible methodology for developing spatial databases on
natural resources, socio and agro-economic parameters to further the concept of area specific
decentralized planning. In order to achieve this goal, the objectives of the programme were:
8 | P a g e
To promote R&D in spatial data management.
To develop pilot scale integrated databases on natural resources and socio-economic parameters
to cater to micro level planning.
To demonstrate the efficacy of database approach for management and conservation of natural
resources with emphasis on location specific problems.
To build spatial resource profiles at different hierarchical units of planning i.e. district, block and
panchayat.
To provide software support for data management, modeling and operations research.
Training of potential users.
Documentation and dissemination of NRDMS methodology.
Data collated and collected from different sources like topo-sheets, aerial survey, satellite imageries,
census reports, data from district line departments and from limited surveys were used to convert into
computer compatible formats in a common database which was not developed as per database design.
Those data were processed to generate outputs like statistical table, thematic maps, charts, diagrams etc.
and were considered to be inputs or support to decision-making (Fig.1). The system was not focus to the
information requirement of users.
At the end of the first decade, standardized formats and computer-based methodologies for collection,
storage and retrieval of data on natural resources and socio-economic parameters were developed. An
indigenous DOS based GIS package, Geo Reference Area Management (GRAM) was developed in
modular form. On the recommendations of the working group on district planning set up by the Planning
Commission and the multi-level planning unit of the Planning Commission, the developed packages were
operationalised by establishing ten pilot district database centers at Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh),
Koraput (Orissa), Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Gurgaon (Haryana), Kheda (Gujarat), Alwar (Rajasthan),
Munger (Bihar), Pauri (Uttar Pradesh), Chandel (Manipur), Goa/Daman. The average cost for
operationalising the centers was $12,000 per annum. Few Decision support modules for location of
amenities, land and water management and investment planning were developed in research mode. The
application of NRDMS technology was demonstrated in drought management in the Gurgaon district of
Haryana state.
On evaluation of the first decade of NRDMS programme the following shortcomings were observed:
Data The developed databases were mostly non-spatial and not much spatial data were there. Due to
inefficient inter-sectoral data flow, developed databases were not integrated in nature and didn‟t serve the
information need of local level planners. In spite of huge amount of data collected, little of it was available
in computer readable form.
Technology Exorbitant cost of imported equipment and software packages on Relational Data Base
Management (RDBMS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) and higher cost of conversion of
spatial data to digital form were the main hindrances to the diffusion of spatial data technologies at the
local level. Need for development of technologies for spatial information generation was felt to fulfill the
need of local level planning. The developed databases needed constant updating and developed
software and GRAM needed updating and maintenance.
Technology Transfer Lack of trained manpower in the R&D sector as well as handling of spatial
databases at the local level was hindering the spatial data technologies potential application to local level
planning. Need for demonstration of the technologies to users was felt during the end of this decade.
Second decade (1992-2002)
At the local level, necessary institutional changes were brought about during this period to ensure
people‟s participation in the planning process. As per the provisions of the 73rd and 74th constitutional
9 | P a g e
amendments, different State Governments constituted a three tier system of local bodies at district ( Zilla
Panchayat) , block (Panchayat Samiti) and village ( Gram Sabha) levels at rural areas and Municipalities
(Nagarpalikas) at urban areas. Mandates of such local level bodies are to collect revenues, draw up and
implement integrated development schemes.
The VIII 5 Year- Plan (1990-95) of Planning Commission suggested that the developmental plans should
be drawn up at the local level (district and below) taking into account the physical and human
endowments of the area, felt needs of the people and funds available.
Entry of GIS in India during late 80‟s and launching of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite during 1987
guided the evolution of the NRDMS programme during its second decade. The programme was looked
upon as a major initiative for introduction of Geo spatial technologies and tools in the local level planning
of the country.
In this context, vision of the programme remained the same as first decade, while the goals were focused
towards 1. Development of spatial data management technologies for integrated rural development
planning and 2. Demonstration of utility of spatial data tools in local level decision making.
Objectives remained almost the same, adoption of Geographical Information System (GIS) as the core of
NRDMS methodology for locale specific problem solving was made explicit. Forging linkages with users
at different levels was introduced as one of the objectives for dissemination of NRDMS methodology.
At the end of the second decade, about $2.1 million had been spent on the NRDMS programme. This
included a support of $1.26 million from the UNDP. The major outputs at the end of second decade have
been enumerated in the Table 2.:
Table 2. Major Outputs of the NRDMS programme (1992-2002)
Improved procedures for data collection, collation and processing at local level developed.
Indigenous GIS package GRAM upgraded to Windows based GRAM++ and allied tools like
GRAM controls, VECVIEWER, GRAM-DRISHTI developed for customization and applications
development.
Tutors (GIS Tutor, GRAM++ Tutor) developed for the training of officials and Line Department
staff, NGOs and Communities in principles of GIS.
Spatial Decision Support Systems for Water management, Energy management and
infrastructure development developed.
Software to aid watershed management developed e.g. GRAM SWAT, WMDSS, ECOLAND.
User- friendly interfaces developed for language conversion, visualization and web-based
applications.
Spatial resource profiles and user specified applications developed and demonstrated at district
level in selected sectors of land and water management, road construction, infrastructure
location, health planning, natural disaster management, election management etc.
Pilot scale district level GIS databases developed and demonstrated in 40 districts. Stage has
reached for proliferation of the Geo-information technologies at other districts.
Availability of the Core Expertise in Spatial Data Management in R&D institutions and concept
champions at districts / states
VISION
Enabling people, communities and institutions of local-self Governance with requisite databases
and S & T tools for informed participation in local self-governance .
The corresponding goals of the Programme to realize the above vision could be the following:
10 | P a g e
To strengthen the S&T inputs in developing tools and techniques for integrated resource
management and for capacity building at various levels for planning and implementation in a
spatio-temporal context in a multi-level framework below the district.
OBJECTIVES
Demonstrate and promote the use of Spatial Data Technologies for micro level planning under
diverse terrain conditions.
1. Provide software support for data management, modelling and operation research.
2. Promote R & D in spatial data technology
3. Technology transfer & Capacity building of potential users
4. Forge linkages with the users at different levels
Provide S & T inputs for framing Policies related to Spatial data technology.
Develop & Demonstrate pilot scale spatial infrastructure and provide research support to National
Spatial Data Infrastructure.
Documentation and dissemination.
Bureau of Indian Standards The National standards Body of India
(http://www.bis.org.in/bis_overview.asp)
BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 1986 for the harmonious
development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto.
BIS has been providing traceability and tangibility benefits to the national economy in a number of ways -
providing safereliable quality goods; minimizing health hazards to consumers; promoting exports and
imports substitute; control over proliferation of varieties etc. through standardization, certification and
testing.
Keeping in view, the interest of consumers as well as the industry, BIS is involved in various activities as
given below:
Standards Formulation
Product Certification Scheme
Compulsory Registration Scheme
Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme
Hall Marking Scheme
Laboratory Services
Laboratory Recognition Scheme
Sale of Indian Standard
Consumer Affairs Activities
Promotional Activities
Training Services, National & International level
Information Services
BIS has its Headquarters at New Delhi and its 05 Regional Offices (ROs) are at Kolkata (Eastern),
Chennai (Southern), Mumbai (Western), Chandigarh (Northern) and Delhi (Central). Under the Regional
Offices are the Branch Offices (BOs) located at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, BhopaSl,
Coimbatore, Dehradun, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Nagpur,
11 | P a g e
Parwanoo, Patna, Pune, Rajkot, Raipur, Durgapur, Jamshedpur and Vishakhapatnam, which offer
certification services to the industry and serve as effective link between State Governments, industries,
technical institutions, consumer organization etc. of the respective region.
Origin of BIS
In the twilight years of British rule in India, when the country was faced with the gigantic task of building
up the industrial infrastructure, it was the Institution of Engineers (India), which prepared the first draft of
the Constitution of an Institution which could take up the task of formulation of National Standards. This
led to the Department of Industries and Supplies issuing a memorandum on 03 September 1946, formally
announcing the setting of an organization called the “Indian Standards Institution”. The Indian Standards
Institution (ISI) came into being on the 06 January 1947 and in June 1947 Dr. Lal C. Verman took over as
its first Director.
In the initial years, the organization concentrated on standardization activity. To provide the advantages
of standardization to common consumers, the Indian Standards Institution started operating the
Certification Marks Scheme under the Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act, 1952. The
Scheme, which was formally launched by ISI in 1955-56, enabled it to grant licences to manufacturers
producing goods in conformity with Indian Standards and to apply ISI Mark on their products. To meet
the requirements of the Certification Marks Scheme, the nucleus of a laboratory was started in 1963.
While the product certification was being operated under the Indian Standards Institution (Certification
Marks) Act, 1952, the formulation of standards and other related work were not governed by any
legislation. A Bill with this objective was therefore introduced in the Parliament of 26 Nov 1986.
Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) came into existence, through an act of parliament dated 26 November
1986, on 1 April 1987, with a broadened scope and more powers taking over the staff, assets, liabilities
and functions of erstwhile ISI. Through this change over, the government envisaged building a climate for
quality culture and consciousness and greater participation of consumers in formulation and
implementation of national standards.
The Bureau is a Body Corporate consisting of 25 members representing both Central and State
governments, Members of Parliament, industry, scientific and research institutions, consumer
organizations and professional bodies; with Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution as its President and with Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
as its Vice-President.
Water Resources Information System, WRIS (india-wris.nrsc.gov.in/)
The project “Generation of Database and Implementation of Web Enabled Water Resources Information
System in the Country” short named as India-WRIS WebGIS is a joint venture of the Central Water
Commission (CWC), Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of India and Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO), Department of Space, Govt. of India, as per the Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) signed on December 3, 2008 between the two departments for a period of four years - January
2009 to December 2012 and has been extended till December, 2015.
India-WRIS WebGIS aims as a „Single Window‟ solution for comprehensive, authoritative and consistent
data & information of India‟s water resources along with allied natural resources in a standardized
national GIS framework (WGS-84 datum and LCC projection) tools to search, access, visualize,
understand and analyze the data for assessment, monitoring, planning, development and finally
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
12 | P a g e
The data collection, generation and presentation into the portal are continuous activities. The current
version India-WRIS WebGIS (Version 4.1) has spatial layers and attributes as per data collected till July
2015. Further updating the attribute data and presentation are being done by the India-WRIS Project
Team. These data have been collected from concerned state Govt. departments, CWC offices and Govt.
of India departments and are organized in this portal.
Based on the type of data and its availability, the present portal contains 12 major info systems, 35 sub
info systems having 95 spatial layers along with large attribute data of the water resources assets and
temporal data of 5-100 years. Based on the National Map Policy (2005) and CWC data dissemination
policy, the portal has two versions. The public domain version complies with both policy guidelines.
The India-WRIS WebGIS portal (Version 4.1) has been designed looking at the variety of users and their
requirements. It has six major sections on the left panel such as WRIS Info Discovery, WRIS Explorer,
WRIS Connect, Share Success Stories, Water Resources Planning and Management and Input Data
Builder. More details are available by hovering the mouse on the expandable menu tabs.
The next versions will be enriched further with modules like 3D Geo-visualization, direct link to current
hydro met observations, hydrology tools for online analysis and WRIS education.
The project website, India-WRIS WebGIS Version 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 were launched on December 10,
2009, December 7, 2010, March 22, 2012, December 4, 2012 and March 28, 2014 respectively.
However, the updation of spatial and temporal coverage of the existing Version 4.1 is a continuous
process, and will be made available to users as per the generation and readiness.
National Carbon Project (NCP):
(http://archive.apan.net/meetings/apan32/Session/Slides/agriculture/3-1.pdf)
In order to understand the terrestrial carbon cycle over India, a comprehensive study through „National
Carbon Project‟ (NCP) has been taken up under the ISRO-Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP).
The major goals of NCP are:
Assessment of Carbon Pools, Fluxes and Net Carbon balance for terrestrial biomes in India
To establish an observational network and create remote sensing-based spatial databases for
modeling and periodic assessment of net carbon balance in India
To provide support to Second National Communication (SNC) activity of Ministry of Environment
and Forests, GOI to UNFCCC with respect to carbon balance.
Vegetation Carbon Pools (VCP) As part of (VCP), an optimal phytomass density observation, modeling
and mapping approach for national-scale forest carbon pool assessment was defined. A total of 6500 field
plot data from forests and trees outside forests was collected with defined sampling protocols. The forest
density, vegetation type map, accessibility (nearness to road), normalized difference vegetation index and
district boundary have been used to select sites for sampling. 2,350 permanent sample plots were
identified for further monitoring as well as for quality assurance. 753 regional species volume equations
and general equations were collated. Specific gravity data of 16,400 species of the Asia has been
collected. Specific gravity of 86 fire wood trees and shrub growing in wasteland/degraded sites has been
added. A geo-referenced relational database of plot wise forest inventory and biomass density estimates
was prepared. Figure 1 shows the various methods of generating spatial biomass map that is being
employed as per the regional suitability and availability of data types. 0.2-5 5-10 10-20 20-30 >30
Predicted Basal Area (m2 ha-1) Field Data/Sampling Data Stratificati on and extrapolat ion with RS data
13 | P a g e
Data Mining L‐ Band Microwa ve Optical RS & Modeling Spatially explicit above ground forest carbon
(5x5km) South Western Ghats 6500 field plot data 1250 permanent plots Estimation of above ground
biomass using L-band PALSAR data.
Pilot studies in 16 test-sites in different ecological regions in the country have been taken to test the
methodology for biomass estimation and spectral modeling using optical and microwave data in forest
ecosystem. End-to-end analyses at eight sites have been completed. Interferometric Water Cloud Model
(IWCM) has been successfully applied for forest biomass retrieval in Dudhwa National Park (Pandey et
al., 2010). Similarly the plot-wise field data from south Gujarat (Patil et al., 2012) was aggregated to
MODIS pixel (250 m) using area weightages of forest/vegetation. The study reports that above ground
phytomass varied from 6.13 t/ha to 389.166 t/ha. The contribution of bamboo in AGB has been found very
high. The phytomass range obtained by using MODIS data varies from 0.147 t/ha to 182.16 t/ha.
Recent estimates found that conservation policies have resulted in increase of the country‟s forest carbon
stocks from 6244.8 to 6621.6 Mt with an annual increment of 37.7 Mt of the carbon from 1995 to 2005
(Kishwan et al., 2011). Spatial explicit biomass estimation procedures were also tested to quantify
biomass distribution in Orissa state using data mining techniques. The study involved evaluating the
relationship between basal area and stand height collected over 17,500 plots and different spatial
information on multi temporal spectral data, terrain, climate, forest type and crown density using random
forest decision tree algorithm.
Space Based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SIS-DP)
(http://bhuvan-panchayat.nrsc.gov.in/)
Space Based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SIS-DP) project has been initiated by
National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO under the aegis of National Natural Resources
Management System (NNRMS) and is being jointly executed by National Remote Sensing Centre and
State Remote Sensing Centres of the country. The Goal of the project is to Empower the Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs) and the Stakeholders with Space Based Information Support for Decentralized
Planning and Governance in the country.
14 | P a g e
Objectives
To generate and provide „Satellite Image Maps‟ for the entire country as base for decentralized
planning. (High resolution, true color, Ortho-rectified, merged satellite data products)
To prepare thematic & base layers on 1:10000 scale using „Satellite Image Maps‟, slope classes
maps and cadastral maps vectorization& geo-referencing
To create databank: comprising of „Satellite Image Maps‟, thematic and base maps, slope class
maps; and organize census data, climate data, cadastral maps, stakeholder‟s data and available
legacy thematic & base data on GIS platform.
To develop comprehensive web portal as per PRIs & stakeholders needs for decentralized
planning, governance, outreach to the citizens and data dissemination.
To build Capacity of PRIs & stakeholders for the use of Space Based Information in
Decentralized planning and governance.
Major Features of Bhuvan Panchayat Portal
Mapping of 340 Assets categorized into 5 major classes
Mapping of Activities including Land & Water Development Activities, Productive Activities, Civic
Amenities & Infrastructure Development Activities, Social Welfare Activities and Governance
Activities
Implementation and Monitoring of the Schemes
Download of Datasets in PDF format and to share views
Geo-Visualization of Resource Layers, Assets Layers and Meteorological Data
View Area Profile and Resource Envelope
Integration of Census Datasets
Provides a Great Opportunity for Space Inputs in Decentralized Planning which is by nature
Participatory in action
Integrated in application
Spatial in ground results
National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) services in tackling
Disasters (ndem.nrsc.gov.in/)
Towards supporting country‟s efforts in efficient management of natural disasters, ISRO has evolved a
comprehensive space-based Disaster Management Support (DMS) Programme and institutionalised the
same in association with concerned ministries / agencies. The DMS programme addresses disasters
such as flood, cyclone, drought, forest fire, landslide and earthquake. Earth observation satellites together
with meteorological and communication satellites and aerial survey system form the base for providing
timely support and services for disaster management.
To support the total cycle of disaster/ emergency management for the country, in near real time, the
database creation is addressed through National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM), a GIS
based repository of data. NDEM is envisaged to have core data, hazard-specific data, and dynamic data
in spatial form as well as textual form. The database enables development of decision support system in
the form of customised user interfaces with necessary security mechanisms.
15 | P a g e
Major Highlights of NDEM
Exclusive NDEM facility is established at Shadnagar in a secured environment with necessary
computer infrastructure.
NDEM database is organised by bringing the diverse data sets into a common reference
framework
Envisaged database at 1:50,000 scale for 36 States/UTs is served through ISRO-DMS VPN
secured network
Value-added information/ maps (about 388 disaster-specific products covering 36 States/ UTs)
derived from satellite data for the disaster events occurred during 1998-2014 were hosted on
NDEM server and enabled download of the products through ISRO-DMS VPN secured network
Decision Support Tools for Spatial, Proximity, Network analysis have been customised and
implemented
Appraised all State Govt. officials about NDEM project, products and services besides training on
NDEM server operations by conducting six regional training programmes
All mobile applications developed under NDEM are made available for download and also
appraised all State Govt. Departments regarding its utilisation
Database Organisation
Database available with ISRO, Central and State Departments are integrated and organised into NDEM.
A comprehensive database is worked out to meet the objectives at different scales. At 1:50,000 scale,
database covering base layers, thematic layers, infrastructure layers along with raster data sets are
integrated. The disaster-specific database covering Flood/ Cyclone, Forest Fires, Tsunami, Drought,
Landslides, Earthquakes, etc. are also integrated. The database at 1:10,000 scale is organised for 94
districts out of 350 districts.
Information Dissemination
Information Dissemination is done through secured Satellite based Virtual Private Network (VPN). State-
wise value-added information and products derived from Satellite datasets on disasters are organised in
NDEM Portal and enabled access to respective State Government Departments through ISRO-DMS-VPN
secured network. The open data sets as well as disaster information is also being disseminated through
ISRO web portal Bhuvan.
NDEM portal Ver 2.0 was launched and enabling the access to authorised users to NDEM products and
services for better management of disasters. NDEM portal with standard GIS functionalities was
developed using open source tools with multi-level authentication. State-wise web pages are enabled for
independent access to relevant disaster products for respective States. Tools for downloading the
products were also enabled. Decision Support Tools for Spatial layer analysis, Proximity, and Network
analysis have been customised and implemented. User Interaction portal was developed for close
interaction among nodal departments. Mobile Apps for emergency field attribute collection, geo-tagging of
emergency facilities using online maps, disaster report cum relief management are also enabled through
NDEM portal. Exclusive regional training programmes for State officials have been conducted for better
utilisation of NDEM products and services.
In order to utilise the NDEM services for tackling disasters, the National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF) linked a pact with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). Accordingly, ISRO will provide
geo-spatial database and other satellite data to NDRF for sharpening its relief and rescue operations. A
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in this regard between NRSC and NDRF. As per the
protocols of the MoU, the NRSC would also share with the NDRF the services of NDEM and customized
16 | P a g e
mobile Apps developed for responding to such emergency situations where the fury of the devastation
caused by the nature, at times, remains unpredictable.
As a part of the MOU, a three day training programme was organised at NDRF HQ, New Delhi during
November 2015 for the familiarisation of NDEM products and services to NDRF officials. In this
programme, officials from NDRF HQ have participated in person and officials from all 11 NDRF battalions
across the country participated through videoconference. A detailed live demonstration on
NDEM portal Ver 2.0 on database services, decision support tools, live news & alerts, interaction portal,
IDRN and health database etc was arranged. Mobile apps developed for relief management, incident
reporting and geo-tagging of emergency management facilities have been demonstrated with hands on
sessions. These mobile apps have been shared to all participants along with user manuals.
This systematic approach will help in better Disaster Response for Relief and Rescue; Ensuring satellite-
based communication during disasters; Assessment of the damage and Mitigation planning.
National Information System for Climate & Environment Studies (NICES) (www.nrsc.gov.in/nices)
Climate change is amongst the most concerning issues being discussed across the world to preserve the
planet earth. The 4th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has
reported an estimated increase of 0.74°C in global mean temperatures from 1906 to 2005. Other studies
have indicated that there is a steady increase in the concentration of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) such as
CO, CO2, CH4, NO2, etc. in earth's atmosphere. The human impact on climate during this era greatly
exceeds that due to known changes in natural processes, such as in solar radiation and volcanic
eruptions. Increasing atmospheric concentration of GHGs due to burning of fossil fuels are strong agents
in alterations of our climate. Certain fundamental changes are also evident in terms of decline in
stratospheric ozone content, acid precipitation, melting of polar ice cover, shift in natural vegetations,
manifestations of extreme weather conditions, etc. Impact of climatic changes is already being felt in the
Indian sub-continent in terms of the behavior of tropical cyclone, frequent flooding, drought and
desertification, sea level rise, soil erosion, landslides, rise in vector borne diseases and increase in snow
and glacier melting.
In this context, issues related to natural environment and climate change need understanding of physical,
chemical and biological processes that regulate the total Earth System, the changes that are occurring in
the system, and the manner in which they are influenced by the natural forces and human activities.
ISRO, with its geostationary and polar orbiting satellites, has been active in climate research with a focus
on specific indicators, like, glacier melt, desertification, land use and land cover change and agents, like,
GHGs, aerosols, etc. The Department has drawn a comprehensive EO program for providing continuity
envisaging new observational capabilities in the domain of land, ocean, environment and atmosphere.
ISRO/DOS has also developed various ground based observation systems for measuring climate
variables as part of ISRO-GBP, ASP, Space Science Programme and research activities at PRL, SPL,
NARL etc.
17 | P a g e
Realising the need, ISRO formulated the National Information System for Climate and Environment
Studies (NICES) with the mandate to build an information base for climate change impact assessment
and mitigation under the guidance of NICES Programme Management Council (NICES-PMC) with
representatives from inter and intra-departmental institutions. NICES-PMC will formulate a science plan
for climate research and environment studies and will constitute inter-departmental thematic groups
addressing the algorithm developmental needs, reprocessing, process modeling and simulation scenarios
and data compilation and standardization of formats to comply with the GCMs and RCMs. Thus, NICES
will build an archive for climate and environmental data with a provision for access and visualization for
various ministries, academia and research institutions in the country though a NICES portal.
NICES will establish a dedicated Information System for Climate and Environment Studies at national
level using Indian Remote Sensing and geostationary satellites data and others. Additionally, NICES will
build specific observational networks, effectively coordinate among various departments and carry out
climate and environmental impact assessment through formulation of a science plan. NICES is intended
to generate climate and environmental data archives with a provision for access and visualization to
various ministries, academia and research institutions in the country. NICES will work towards developing
intra and inter departmental linkages and collaboration for information and knowledge sharing in the area
of climate & environment studies, and extend policy level support. NICES would have the following
specific objectives:
Geophysical parameter retrieval and generation of methodologies for Essential Climate Variables
(ECVs) from Indian EO missions.
Acquisition and processing of international missions data for other relevant parameters to support
Indian EO ECVs and cal/val and generation of long term data records
Establish necessary infrastructure including hardware and software for NICES.
Establishment of NICES portal.
Development of methodologies to carry out scientific studies and partner with other national
organisations in using ECV for impact assessment, adaptation, vulnerability and mitigation etc.
Generation of spatial & temporal blended ECV products based on Indian and foreign satellites and
in situ observations through multi-institutional participation.
Develop outreach and interaction mechanism for effective dissemination and utilization of NICES
ECVs.
Promote scientific utilization and collaboration in the area of climate and environment.
Establishment and development of linkages with appropriate observational networks, and
calibration & validation sites.
18 | P a g e
Disaster Management Support Programme ISRO-DMSP
(www.isro.gov.in/applications/disaster-management-support-programme)
India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its geo-climatic conditions.
Floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes and landslides have been recurrent phenomena. About 60% of
the landmass is prone to earthquakes of various intensities; over 40 million hectares is prone to floods;
close to 5,700 km long coastline out of the 7,516 km, is prone to cyclones; about 68% of the cultivable
area is susceptible to drought. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the East and part of West coast are
vulnerable to Tsunami. The deciduous/ dry-deciduous forests in different parts of the country experience
forest fires. The Himalayan region and the Western Ghats are prone to landslides.
Under the DMS programme, the services emanating from aerospace infrastructure, set up by ISRO, are
optimally synthesized to provide data and information required for efficient management of natural
disasters in the country. The Geostationary satellites (Communication and Meteorological), Low Earth
Orbiting Earth Observation satellites, aerial survey systems together with ground infrastructure form the
core element of the observation Systems for disaster management.
The Decision Support Centre established at National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO is
engaged in monitoring natural disasters such as flood, cyclone, agricultural drought, landslides,
earthquakes and forest fires at operational level. The information generated from aero-space systems are
disseminated to the concerned in near real time for aiding in decision making. The value added products
generated using satellite imagery helps in addressing the information needs covering all the phases of
disaster management such as, preparedness, early warning, response, relief, rehabilitation, recovery and
mitigation.
Flood: India is one of the most flood prone countries in the world. Floods occur in almost all rivers basins
in India. Twenty-three of the 35 states and union territories in the country are subject to floods and 40
million hectares of land, roughly one-eighth of the country‟s geographical area, is prone to floods.
Assessment of the extent of flood affected areas and the damage to the infrastructure will enable the
decision makers to plan for relief operations. Satellite based imageries due to their synoptic coverage are
the best tool to assess the extent of flood affected areas. As soon as the information of a flood event is
obtained, the earliest available satellite is programmed to collect the required data for the delineation of
flooded areas. Both optical and microwave satellites data is being used. The inundation maps with
flooded and non-flooded areas marked in different colours along with the affected villages and the
transport network are disseminated to the concerned Central / State agencies. Using the historical data of
floods affecting different areas flood hazard zonation is being carried out. Such district level hazard
atlases have been prepared for Assam and Bihar States. Further, integrating the information on the river
morphology generated from aerial surveys, weather forecast and the in-situ data from CWC, flood
forecasting methodologies have been generated and being operationalised.
19 | P a g e
Cyclone: The major natural disaster that affects the coastal regions of India is cyclone. India has a
coastline of about 7516 kms and it is exposed to nearly 10% of the world‟s tropical cyclones. About 71%
of this area falls in ten states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry,
Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal). The islands of Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep are also
prone to cyclones. On an average, about five or six tropical cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal and
Arabian sea and hit the coast every year. When a cyclone approaches to coast, a risk of serious loss or
damage arises from severe winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges and river floods. Using appropriate models
and satellite data, ISRO is supporting the efforts of India Meteorological Department to predict the tropical
cyclone track, intensity and landfall. After the formation of cyclone, its future tracks are regularly
monitored and predicted on an experimental basis using a mathematical model, developed at Space
Application Centre, ISRO. These experimental track predictions are regularly posted on departmental
web portal (http://www.mosdac.gov.in/scorpio/) as part of information dissemination. Using the wind
pattern generated by the Oceansat-2 Scatterometer data models have been developed for predicting the
formation of a cyclone even before the depression turns into a cyclone. Such cyclogenesis predictions are
being carried out for all the global cyclones and uploaded to the portal.
Agricultural Drought: With more than 70 percent of India‟s population relying directly or indirectly on
agriculture, the impact of agricultural drought on human life and other living beings is critical. In India,
around 68% of the country is prone to drought in varying degrees. Of the entire area, 35% receives
rainfall between 750 mm and 1125 mm, which is considered as drought prone and 33%, receives rainfall
less than 750 mm, which is considered to be chronically drought prone. Coarse resolution satellite data,
which covers larger areas, is used to monitor the prevalence, severity level and persistence of agricultural
drought at state/ district/ sub district level during kharif season (June to November). The operational
methodology developed by ISRO over the years is now institutionalized by setting up Mahalanobis
National Crop Forecasting Centre (MNCFC) under the Ministry of Agriculture. Currently, ISRO is
concentrating on upgrading the methodology for monitoring the drought and efforts are on to develop
early warning systems for agricultural drought.
Forest Fire: Nearly 55% of the total forest cover in India is prone to fires every year. An estimated annual
economic loss of Rs.440 crores is reported on account of forest fires over the country. Forest fires in India
have environmental significance in terms of tropical biomass burning, which produces large amounts of
trace gases, aerosol particles, and play a pivotal role in tropospheric chemistry and climate. Active forest
fires are detected from the satellite images and the information is uploaded daily to the Indian Forest Fire
Response and Assessment System (INFFRAS) website during the forest fire season – February to June
(www.inffras.gov.in).
Landslide: Remote sensing data have been proved to be useful for landslide inventory mapping both at
local and regional level. It is also used for generating maps such as lithology, geological structure,
geomorphology, land use / land cover, drainage, landslide scarp, etc. These maps can be combined with
other terrain maps like slope, slope aspect, slope morphology, rock weathering and slope-bedding dip
20 | P a g e
relationship in GIS environment to map the vulnerable areas for landslides. Department of Space has
prepared Landslide Hazard Zonation maps (LHZ) along tourist and pilgrim routes of Uttaranchal and
Himachal Pradesh, Himalayas and in Shillong-Silchar-Aizwal sector. As a part of the DSC activity all the
major Landslides are being monitored for damage estimation.
Earthquakes: Remote Sensing and GIS provide a database from which the evidences left behind by
disaster can be combined with other geological and topographical database to arrive at hazard map. The
area affected by earthquakes are generally large, but they are restricted to well known regions (Plate
contacts). Satellite data gives synoptic overview of the area affected by the disaster. These data can be
made use to create a very large scale base information of the terrain for carrying out the disaster
assessment and for relief measures.
ISRO Disaster Management Programme (http://www.nrsc.gov.in/ISRO_DMSP)
The Decision Support Centre (DSC) established at NRSC under Disaster Management Support
Programme (DMSP), is the single window delivery point for aerial and space enabled inputs together with
other important data layers for its use in disaster management of pre-disaster, during-disaster and post-
disaster phases. DSC is addressing five natural disasters viz., Flood, Cyclone, Forest Fire, Earthquake
and Landslide. DSC team keeps a close watch on the disaster situation in the country and acquires
satellite/aerial data on the affected regions. The data is analysed and rapid based mapping and
assessment is carried out and value added products are disseminated to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
and nodal ministries via FTP, Web page, E-mail etc. For online transfer of space-enabled inputs to the
State and Central government user departments, a VSAT based satellite communication network has
been established. The products are also hosted on web portals viz., Bhuvan, NRSC and NDEM for wide
public viewing/usage. DSC is working on space inputs for long-term disaster mitigation and rehabilitation
like hazard zonation, vulnerability and risk assessment. DSC provides satellite data support to
International disasters through forums like the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters,
Sentinel Asia and UNESCAP/UNSPIDER. DSC is also working on improving the models for forecasting
and early warning.