In a significant move towards bolstering India’s geospatial capabilities, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today unveiled two cutting-edge Geoportals, ‘Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0)’ and ‘National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)’, developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The launch event took place at Prithvi Bhavan and marked a pivotal moment in leveraging space technology for national development.
The newly launched portals, as highlighted by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space, aim to democratize access to high-resolution satellite imagery and spatial data across the country. These tools, built upon the vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reforms, underscore India’s commitment to harnessing space technology for socio-economic advancement.
“We have not only launched rockets and reached the sky but we are also mapping the earth from the sky,” remarked Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasizing the dual role of ISRO in advancing both space exploration and terrestrial applications.
The ‘Bhuvan Panchayat Portal’ is poised to revolutionize rural land record management by providing citizens with easy access to digitalized land records and real-time data. This initiative aligns with the government’s objective to empower grassroots governance and reduce dependency on local administrations for essential services.
Furthermore, the ‘National Database for Emergency Management’ (NDEM) will play a crucial role in disaster management by furnishing space-based inputs on natural disasters. This includes facilitating early warning systems to mitigate risks and enhance preparedness across India and neighboring countries. The portal’s capabilities extend to monitoring Land Use and Land Change (LULC), ensuring informed decision-making in land management and urban planning.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the transformative impact of recent policy decisions, which have opened up India’s space sector to private participation. From nurturing startups to inviting public engagement during significant space missions like Chandrayaan, these efforts have garnered widespread support and investment, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and development.
In conclusion, the launch of ‘Bhuvan Panchayat’ and ‘NDEM’ signifies a strategic leap towards integrating space technology into everyday governance and disaster resilience strategies. It reflects India’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements for the benefit of its citizens and fostering sustainable development across the nation.
