The highlight of the recent National Workshop on “Space-based Information Support for Decentralised Planning-2” was the launch of an advanced geo-imaging web portal, the Bhuvan Panchayat 3.0. As a part of the superior Space-based Information Support for Decentralised Planning (SISDP) project, this new version promises to revolutionize decentralized planning and resource management.
The SISDP Project – A Timeframe
The SISDP initiative commenced in 2011, with its first phase of database creation completed in 2017. The recent launch of Bhuvan Panchayat 3.0 marks a significant milestone in this ambitious project.
Key Features of Bhuvan Panchayat 3.0
Bhuvan Panchayat 3.0 utilizes high-resolution data from the latest earth observation satellites. It provides intricate information about key assets to panchayats. Interestingly, for the first time, thematic maps of 1:10,000 scale are generated based on such high-resolution data being rendered by Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) new earth observation satellites. This revamped portal is a joint venture between the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Department of Space, ISRO.
Bhuvan Panchayat and Decentralised Planning
The upgraded portal facilitates decentralised planning at a grassroots level. It enables rural planners to make informed decisions on infrastructure planning like healthcare units, water harvesting systems, and rural communication networks, even as they sit in their local panchayat offices.
Advantages
Beyond facilitating decentralized planning, Bhuvan Panchayat 3.0 also serves as an empowering tool for Panchayats. It promotes the use of modern technology for sustainable development by making space technology accessible in the form of simple-to-use maps, location-based services, and high-resolution space images.
| Key Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology and Governance | Space technology can be used effectively for planning, implementation, monitoring, and resource management. |
| Digital India | Bhuvan Panchayat can serve as a critical component of the “Digital India” platform, reaching digital thematic maps to about 2.56 lakh Gram panchayats. |
| Bhuvan Portal | An ISRO Geoportal that offers services such as visualization, free data download, thematic map display and analysis, timely information on disaster, and project-specific GIS applications. It was launched in 2009 and is available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. |
About Bhuvan Portal
Bhuvan, meaning Earth in Sanskrit, is more than just a geoportal by ISRO. Over the years, it has become a versatile platform used by various user communities ranging from Central and State Governments Departments to Academia and Industry. Sub-projects under Bhuvan include Bhuvan-Bhujal (a Ground Water Prospects Information System), School Bhuvan (an e-learning portal for students), Bhuvan Ganga (a Clean Ganga project), and Srishti-Drishti (an Integrated Watershed Development Program).
ENVIS Program
The Environmental Information System (ENVIS) program, started in December 1982, aims to provide environmental information to decision makers, policy planners, scientists, engineers, research workers, and other stakeholders. In January 2002, it implemented the World Bank-assisted Environment Management Capacity Building Technical Assistance Project (EMCBTAP) to expand its reach nationwide.
