On Good Governance Day, a significant step was taken in Gandhinagar as an agreement was signed between Gujarat's Water Resources Department and the Space Application Centre (SAC) of ISRO.
This collaboration, guided by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, aims to harness advanced space technology to manage and develop water resources more effectively.
The partnership focuses on using innovative tools to improve water conservation and irrigation systems across the state. High-resolution satellite imagery will be used for mapping irrigation networks and studying seasonal crop patterns.
Additionally, digital elevation models will help design water harvesting structures, while dashboards and benchmarks will ensure efficient irrigation management.
The initiative also includes critical studies in hydrology, river morphology, and flood management. Techniques for monitoring groundwater levels and assessing reservoir sedimentation will support sustainable water usage.
Salinity issues, particularly in regions like Saurashtra and South Gujarat, will also be closely observed to enhance conservation efforts.
To execute these plans, regional geospatial cells will be established within the Water Resources Department. These cells will enable on-ground implementation and ensure that various regions benefit from the technological advancements.
The partnership will also focus on capacity-building programs, offering specialised training to department officials for effective resource management.
This agreement, valid for five years, will address local challenges through pilot projects. Waterlogging in the Ghed area of Saurashtra, salinity ingress, and aquifer recharge in North Gujarat will be prioritised under these studies.
Alongside, new water conservation structures such as dams, barrages, and check dams will be built while maintaining the existing ones.
The state currently supports irrigation services over an area of 32 lakh hectares through its extensive canal systems. This initiative will further strengthen these efforts, ensuring sustainable water management for agriculture and allied activities.
The SAC, based in Ahmedabad under the Indian Space Research Organisation, is a key player in developing space-based applications for multiple sectors. Its expertise will contribute significantly to achieving the objectives of this collaboration.
The agreement was signed in the presence of several dignitaries, including Minister for Forest and Environment Mulubhai Bera, Minister of State Mukesh Patel, and Minister for Cooperation Jagdish Vishwakarma.
Senior officials from the Water Resources Department and scientists from SAC-ISRO also attended the event.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted the importance of good governance in ensuring the welfare of citizens. He praised the use of cutting-edge technology in addressing water resource challenges and reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable development.
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