In a recent development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has pledged its assistance in evaluating flood risks associated with the Mullaperiyar and Idukki dams in Kerala. This initiative comes in response to concerns raised by Suresh Gopi, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Tourism, regarding the escalating frequency of extreme weather events. ISRO Chairman S Somanath has committed to providing crucial space technology-based inputs, including high-resolution terrain data, to aid researchers in their flood modeling efforts. The meeting underscored the urgency of assessing worst-case flood scenarios and integrating advanced solutions for disaster management.
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- ISRO to provide support in flood risk assessment for Mullaperiyar and Idukki dams.
- Suresh Gopi emphasized the need to evaluate worst-case flood scenarios linked to these dams.
- ISRO Chairman S Somanath assured assistance with high-resolution terrain data and satellite communication capabilities.
- Proposal for a prototype integrating flood risk analysis with rescue and rehabilitation planning.
- Emphasis on capacity building for leveraging space-based support in disaster management.
- Prof Jaison Paul Mulerikkal highlighted the requirement for very high-resolution terrain data.
- Sunil Paul discussed development of a remotely operated solution for dam bathymetric survey.
- Focus on studying siltation in dams and potential use of sludge for local industries.
- ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre presented a spatial flood early warning system for rivers.
- Plans for collaboration between Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology and NRSC for flood modeling efforts.
