In recent news, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has put into motion a Heli-Borne Survey Technology for superior water management in Rajasthan’s arid regions. The technology, developed by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is aimed at providing detailed information about the level, quantity, quality and overall data of groundwater.
The Heli-Borne Survey Technology
This technology has been designed and implemented by the CSIR-NGRI, a geoscientific research organization that was established in 1961. The technique includes the use of a heli-borne geophysical mapping method that yields high-resolution 3D images of the subsurface up to depths of 500 metres. The main advantages of this survey are its speed, precision, economical nature, and the ability to collect dense data.
Phases and Collaboration
The survey will be carried out in two distinct phases. The first phase covers an expansive area of 1 lakh sq km, which comprises 65,000 sq km in Rajasthan, 32,000 sq km in Gujarat, and 2,500 sq km in Haryana. This project is to be executed in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, forming part of the larger National Aquifer Mapping Project.
Significance of the Technology
Thanks to the vast areas it can cover, this survey technology provides more accurate data, which is instrumental in utilising groundwater for drinking purposes. It aids in water conservation and locating new areas for groundwater recharging, all at a lower cost compared to traditional techniques like digging tube wells using geophysics and remote sensing techniques. Moreover, it will help conceive new strategies for improvement in water levels in water-scarce areas.
Related Initiatives
Apart from the Heli-Borne Survey Technology, several other water initiatives have been launched, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, National River Linking Project (NRLP), National Hydrology Programme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY), River Basin Management, Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY), and the National Water Mission.
National Aquifer Mapping Project
This initiative was put forward as part of the Ground Water Management and Regulation Scheme with the aim to delineate and characterize the aquifers (water-bearing formations) and develop strategic plans for groundwater management. The project’s vision includes mapping of aquifers, their characterization, and the development of Aquifer Management Plans to facilitate sustainable management of groundwater resources.
