The Union Environment Minister recently presented the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for a LiDAR-based survey of forest areas in ten states. The event took place virtually and highlighted a new approach to environmental preservation and management. The surveyed states include Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.
Overview of the Forest Area Survey Project
In July 2020, the project was awarded to WAPCOS at a cost exceeding Rs. 18 crore. The implementation will span 26 states, covering an estimated 261897 hectares. WAPCOS is a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Jal Shakti Ministry.
The project is pioneering, using LiDAR technology in a unique way that is expected to enhance water and fodder availability in forest areas, subsequently reducing instances of human-animal conflict. The technology boasts a 90% accuracy rating, making it a reliable tool for this initiative.
The respective states are set to receive funds from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) for use in this project. CAMPA is designed to endorse afforestation and regeneration endeavors in exchange for forest land allocated to non-forest utilities.
Identification Process and Targeted Areas
The CAMPA fund falls under the management of CAMPA, acting as its custodian. The project seeks to identify significant ridges within a selected forest block in the respective states. An average area of 10,000 ha is chosen in each state, with prerequisite conditions being average rainfall and a need for assisted natural generation.
Importance and Utility of the Project
This initiative not only promises to curb human-animal conflict but also aids in identifying regions requiring groundwater recharge. Such an advantage proves beneficial for local communities by ensuring better water management. The project’s objective includes rainwater harnessing and thwarting stream run-off, collectively assisting in groundwater recharge.
Further, the survey data will be crucial in recommending diverse kinds of Soil & Water conservation structures. This list ranges from Anicut, Gabion, Gully Plug, Mini percolation tank, Percolation Tank, Field bund, Sunken pond, to Farm pond, etc.
An Introduction to LiDAR Technology
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It is a remote sensing method that employs light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances. The calculated time it takes for the light to return to its source allows the technology to measure exact distances at an incredibly rapid pace owing to the speed of light.
A LiDAR instrument primarily consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Planes and helicopters are the standard platforms for acquiring LiDAR data over extensive areas.
Applications of LiDAR
LiDAR is frequently used to create high-resolution maps with applications spanning various fields. These areas include but are not limited to surveying, geodesy, geomatics, archaeology, geography, geology, geomorphology, seismology, forestry, atmospheric physics, laser guidance, airborne laser swath mapping (ALSM), and laser altimetry.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024