HYDERABAD: Satellite imagery from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) is set to play a pivotal role in safeguarding lakes and government lands in Telangana, said HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath on Tuesday.
During a visit to the NRSC office in Balanagar, Ranganath held discussions with NRSC director Prakash Chauhan and deputy director Srinivas, on the use of decades-old high-resolution satellite images for mapping and conservation efforts.
The commissioner highlighted that NRSC’s satellite technology would aid in accurately identifying Full Tank Levels (FTL), buffer zones, and potential flood-prone areas. These images, combined with data from the Survey of India, the Survey of Telangana, and rural maps, will provide comprehensive insights into submerged zones during floods, water canal heights, and the capacity of lakes to manage excess rainfall. The focus is on recorded rainfall data spanning from 1973 to 2024.
“By leveraging satellite imagery, we can better assess encroachments on lakes, government properties, parks, roads, and canals. This advanced data will guide conservation strategies,” Ranganath explained.
He also invited NRSC director Prakash Chauhan to join the Lake Protection Committee. Chauhan expressed his willingness to contribute to the panel, which focuses on preserving urban water bodies and mitigating encroachments.
In a separate meeting at HYDRAA headquarters, the commissioner reviewed lake conservation measures within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) area. Representatives from multiple departments, including irrigation, revenue, GHMC, and HMDA, participated in discussions on improving coordination for lake preservation across Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Medak districts.
Ranganath stressed the importance of inter-departmental collaboration in enforcing protocols related to FTL and buffer zones. He urged officials to ensure transparency and uniformity in their procedures to avoid disputes. “Determining FTL and buffer zones must follow a consistent process, leaving no room for ambiguity,” he stated.
The Lake Protection Coordination Committee also examined satellite data of ponds and connecting canals provided by the NRSC. The commissioner reiterated the need to cross-check this information with existing maps to strengthen conservation efforts. The meeting concluded with a directive for officials to take decisive actions to protect lakes and ensure that conservation plans are executed seamlessly.
