Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Water Resources Department and the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO have entered into a five-year collaboration to optimize water resource management using advanced space technology. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Gandhinagar on ‘Good Governance Day‘ under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Focus on Space Technology for Water Management
The partnership aims to deploy space-based solutions to address critical challenges in water conservation, irrigation, and flood management. Key initiatives under this collaboration include:
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Digital Tools: Using digital elevation models for designing water harvesting structures and mapping irrigation networks.
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Satellite Imaging: Employing high-resolution satellite imagery for irrigation management and seasonal crop coverage analysis.
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Hydrological Studies: Conducting river morphology and flood management studies, reservoir sedimentation analysis, and groundwater monitoring.
Additionally, regional geospatial cells will be set up to monitor and implement water resource-related activities across Gujarat.
Pilot Projects in Focus Areas
Proposed pilot studies will target specific regional issues:
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Addressing waterlogging in the Ghed area of Saurashtra.
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Tackling salinity ingress in Saurashtra and South Gujarat.
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Improving water conservation and aquifer recharge in North Gujarat.
Capacity Building for Officials
The MoU also includes capacity-building programs to train officials of the Water Resources Department in using space-based tools for sustainable water management.
Existing Efforts and Infrastructure
Gujarat’s Water Resources Department currently manages irrigation for 32 lakh hectares through its canal network, along with ongoing construction of new water conservation structures like dams, barrages, and check dams.
The program to formalize this partnership was attended by government officials, including Chief Secretary Raj Kumar, and scientists from SAC-ISRO, marking a significant step in leveraging technology for sustainable resource management.