Bhubaneswar: For better management of ground water and future planning, the State Government has decided to conduct ground water prospects mapping for generating high resolution satellite data.
The Science and Technology Department will conduct the mapping through Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC), the apex body of the State for space technology applications, officials said.
With an estimated cost of Rs. 17.85 crore, the mapping would be completed in three years.
The objective of the project is to prepare ground water prospect maps in 1: 10,000 scale (at high resolution). The present available data will not be suitable for identification of features due to lack of clarity. High resolution satellite data such as ‘World View-II/III’ would be suitable for mapping purposes, the official said.
The ground water prospects maps prepared at 1:10,000 scale with the use of high-resolution satellite data will enhance the interpretation capability and content of the map. The utility of the maps will be improved facilitating accurate identification of suitable sites for ground water exploitation and recharge justification for the new scheme/project, they said.
Once the survey is completed, State can establish an up-to-date/near real-time satellite database and topographical/cadastral map library and it will help in demonstration and operationalization of space technology application in the State.
It would also help in application of remote sensing, GIS, GPS and Communication & Technology for several development planning activities, and creation of centralized facilities for interpretation and analysis of remote sensing data for developmental planning activities using Geographic Information System (GIS).
Groundwater is an alternative major source of water for domestic, agriculture and industrial use. More than 90% of rural and 30% of urban population depend on groundwater for drinking purposes.
Groundwater prospects maps were prepared earlier in 1:50,000 scale for source finding in a scientific way under Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission under the guidance of NRSC, ISRO and sponsored by Department of Drinking Water Supply (DDWS), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
The maps were handed over to RWSS. These maps are now being effectively used by the officials and field functionaries of RWSS as guide maps to locate sites for wells.
All the aspirational districts of Odisha, Nuapada, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Balangir, Dhenkanal, Koraput and Gajapati will benefit from this project.
The project has been successfully piloted in Angul block. In the first phase, Khordha, Angul, Kalahandi, Nuapada,Bolangir, Kandhamal will be taken into consideration for groundwater prospects mapping.
