June 18, 2024

Shri Suresh Gopi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Minister of State for Tourism, met Shri Somanath S., Chairman, ISRO, on June 18, 2024, at Antariksh Bhawan, Bengaluru. The Hon’ble Minister and Chairman, ISRO, discussed the use of space technology-based inputs for analyzing the flood risk associated with the Mullaperiyar and Idukki dams in Kerala. In light of increasing incidents of extreme weather events across the country, the Hon’ble Minister expressed concern that there is an urgent need to evaluate the worst-case flood scenario linked to these dams.

Chairman, ISRO, assured ISRO’s support in making space-based inputs such as high-resolution terrain data available to researchers engaged in flood modeling to assess probable inundation and identify potential rehabilitation areas. He also suggested developing a prototype solution integrating flood risk l with rescue and rehabilitation planning, along with satellite communication capabilities. Capacity building on the role of space-based support for disaster management was also suggested.

The Hon’ble Minister stressed the need to study the extent and nature of siltation in the dams and evaluate the possible utilization of the sludge to support local industries.

Prof. (Dr.) Jaison Paul Mulerikkal, Principal, Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology, Kochi, and his team presented their ongoing research on flood risk modelling in the Periyar river basin. The requirement for very high-resolution terrain data was highlighted, as publicly available terrain data is insufficient for such studies. Shri Sunil Paul, Christ College of Engineering, Ernakulum, briefed the development of a remotely operated solution for bathymetric survey and siltation assessment in dams.

Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director, NRSC/ISRO, Hyderabad, and his team presented the spatial flood early warning system developed by NRSC for the Godavari and Tapi rivers, wherein high-resolution ALTM-based digital elevation data was used, and the reservoir sedimentation studies conducted at NRSC. The team from Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology, Kochi, plans to visit NRSC for further discussions.