Launch of Geoportals by Dr. Jitendra Singh: Enhancing Geospatial Capabilities for Governance and Disaster Management

Launch of Geoportals by Dr. Jitendra Singh: Enhancing Geospatial Capabilities for Governance and Disaster Management

Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, will launch two significant geoportals. The event will be held in the presence of Secretaries from various ministries, including Panchayati Raj, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Jal Shakti, Mines, Home Affairs, and the Department of Space. The launch is scheduled for June 28th in New Delhi.

Development of Geoportals by ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been actively developing geospatial databases, geoportals, and decision support systems to enhance governance, sustainable development, and disaster management in India. These initiatives are designed to meet the requirements of various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India.

Updated Geospatial Databases

ISRO has recently updated two important national-level geospatial databases:

  1. Bhuvan Panchayat (Version 4.0)
  2. National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Version 5.0)

Bhuvan Panchayat (Version 4.0)

  • Purpose: Supports decentralized planning for the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
  • Platform: An online geospatial data and services dissemination platform accessible at Bhuvan Panchayat.
  • Features:
    • Visualisation, analysis, and sharing of WMS services for thematic data products.
    • Developed under the Space-based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SISDP) project.
    • Utilizes state-of-the-art web technologies for cross-platform and device interoperability.
    • Focuses on providing an optimal User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX).

National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Version 5.0)

  • Purpose: Provides a comprehensive, uniform, multi-scale geospatial database for effective decision-making during disasters and emergency situations.
  • Role: Acts as a national-level geoportal integrating space-based information with Disaster Support Systems (DSS) tools for disaster forecasting and management.
  • Features:
    • Disaster-specific products derived from satellite imagery.
    • A seamless, structured multi-scale geospatial database complemented with multi-resolution satellite imagery.
    • Developed using Angular and Modular Frameworks for dynamic content loading, consistent services, and performance improvement.
  • Operational Since: 2013.
  • Integration: Supports the Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER) established by the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi.

Event Details

  • Date: June 28, 2024
  • Time: 3:00 PM
  • Venue: 3rd Floor, Arnav Hall, Prithvi Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
  • Launch by: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble MoS (Independent Charge)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. Who is launching the two geoportals?
    • a) Dr. Jitendra Singh
    • b) ISRO Chairman
    • c) Prime Minister of India
    • d) Secretary of Ministry of Panchayati Raj
    Answer: a) Dr. Jitendra Singh
  2. What is the primary purpose of the Bhuvan Panchayat geoportal?
    • a) Disaster management support
    • b) Decentralized planning for Ministry of Panchayati Raj
    • c) Space exploration
    • d) Environmental monitoring
    Answer: b) Decentralized planning for Ministry of Panchayati Raj
  3. Since when has the National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) been operational?
    • a) 2010
    • b) 2013
    • c) 2015
    • d) 2020
    Answer: b) 2013
  4. Which technology is used in the development of NDEM Version 5.0 for dynamic content loading?
    • a) JavaScript
    • b) Python
    • c) Angular and Modular Framework
    • d) React
    Answer: c) Angular and Modular Framework
  5. What is the venue for the launch of the geoportals?
    • a) Vigyan Bhavan
    • b) Prithvi Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
    • c) ISRO Headquarters
    • d) Ministry of Home Affairs
    Answer: b) Prithvi Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi