Kashmir floods are being constantly monitored by latest satellite technology at the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) which is also keeping a close watch on the extent of flood damage, by programming its satellites for quick acquisition of data over Kashmir valley region.Disclosing this here today, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances , Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, even during the September floods, an ISRO team had been kept permanently stationed at the disposal of the State administration in Srinagar, but somehow it was not utilized to its full potential. This time, however, learning from the past experience, ISRO took upon itself the responsibility of collecting satellite pictures and providing vital information based on these, simultaneously to the union Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. In addition, the inputs were also sent to the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing, Government of Jammu & Kashmir to enable them to utilize these as per the local requirements, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, on 27th March itself, using microwave satellite data from Indian RISAT-1, the information was sent to all concerned. Further, Canadian Microwave Satellite (Radarsat-2) was also programmed for 31st March 2015 which revealed more inundation in Kashmir valley, particularly in the Anantnag area, he added. This information was also disseminated to all concerned, he said, and went on to reveal that Indian RISAT-1 satellite has now been programmed for 2nd April, 1800 hrs.From the analysis of the data obtained yesterday evening, Dr Jitendra Singh said, it is observed that the extent of damage is about 8,134 ha in Baramula, 1,319 ha in Srinagar, 1,292 ha in Badgam, 1,258 ha in Pulwama, 571 ha in Kupwara and 76 ha in Anantnag. This may also include rain water accumulation in low lying areas.
Giving all the credit to a high degree of professional excellence and technical advancement achieved by India’s Department of Space and ISRO, Dr Jitendra Singh said, efforts are also going on to acquire more satellite data from other countries under the framework of “International Charter Space and Major Disasters” to facilitate frequent and detailed coverage. All the information obtained is also made available through Bhuvan and NDEM (private) portals, he added.