<p>Mumbai:<strong> </strong>Space and geospatial technologies can be deployed for rejuvenating rivers, water bodies and water sources, according to Pune-based Dr Shirish Ravan, an expert in the field of geospatial technology, who is the founder of EarthSight Foundation.</p><p>Dr Ravan gave the example of the Manyad River basin in Nanded district in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra to impress upon the scope.</p><p>This river, once a lifeline, has become a source of distress for 29 villages along its banks. During the monsoon season, heavy soil deposition makes the river shallow, reducing its water-holding capacity and causing frequent floods, forcing villagers to relocate partially or fully. Yet, once the rains subside, the river dries up, leaving insufficient water for agriculture.</p><p>A rapid assessment by EarthSight Foundation’s expert team, using satellite imagery and open-source geospatial data, revealed critical insights about the Manyad River basin. </p>.Protect nature or else next Kumbh will be on mere sand, not river: Faith leaders at Maha Kumbh.<p>The basin comprises 485 micro-watersheds and hosts 2,70,465 buildings, as per the building footprint map. Of these, 4,508 buildings lie within 100 meters of the river center, and 1,041 are within 200 meters. Additionally, 106 villages are located within 200 meters of the river center, highlighting the widespread vulnerability to flooding and water scarcity in the region.</p><p>In order to spread awareness on use of geospatial technology, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP), EarthSight Foundation, and Strategic Research and Growth Foundation (SRGF), have organised ‘Space for Good Governance’, a national conclave on 6-7 March, 2025.</p><p>“Insights and quantitative data essential for watershed planning and ensuring the long-term sustenance of water resources can be efficiently and cost-effectively gathered using earth observation images and geospatial technologies. By combining this data with other maps, such as soil, geology, hydrology, groundwater potential, land parcels, utilities and infrastructure, we can support development authorities and communities in designing targeted interventions,” said Dr Ravan. </p><p>“These efforts can safeguard communities, ensure sustainable livelihoods, revitalise the river ecosystem, nurture biodiversity, and integrate mitigation measures into the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). This approach will enable investments in resilient infrastructure, delivering multifold benefits to the community,” he added. </p>
<p>Mumbai:<strong> </strong>Space and geospatial technologies can be deployed for rejuvenating rivers, water bodies and water sources, according to Pune-based Dr Shirish Ravan, an expert in the field of geospatial technology, who is the founder of EarthSight Foundation.</p><p>Dr Ravan gave the example of the Manyad River basin in Nanded district in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra to impress upon the scope.</p><p>This river, once a lifeline, has become a source of distress for 29 villages along its banks. During the monsoon season, heavy soil deposition makes the river shallow, reducing its water-holding capacity and causing frequent floods, forcing villagers to relocate partially or fully. Yet, once the rains subside, the river dries up, leaving insufficient water for agriculture.</p><p>A rapid assessment by EarthSight Foundation’s expert team, using satellite imagery and open-source geospatial data, revealed critical insights about the Manyad River basin. </p>.Protect nature or else next Kumbh will be on mere sand, not river: Faith leaders at Maha Kumbh.<p>The basin comprises 485 micro-watersheds and hosts 2,70,465 buildings, as per the building footprint map. Of these, 4,508 buildings lie within 100 meters of the river center, and 1,041 are within 200 meters. Additionally, 106 villages are located within 200 meters of the river center, highlighting the widespread vulnerability to flooding and water scarcity in the region.</p><p>In order to spread awareness on use of geospatial technology, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP), EarthSight Foundation, and Strategic Research and Growth Foundation (SRGF), have organised ‘Space for Good Governance’, a national conclave on 6-7 March, 2025.</p><p>“Insights and quantitative data essential for watershed planning and ensuring the long-term sustenance of water resources can be efficiently and cost-effectively gathered using earth observation images and geospatial technologies. By combining this data with other maps, such as soil, geology, hydrology, groundwater potential, land parcels, utilities and infrastructure, we can support development authorities and communities in designing targeted interventions,” said Dr Ravan. </p><p>“These efforts can safeguard communities, ensure sustainable livelihoods, revitalise the river ecosystem, nurture biodiversity, and integrate mitigation measures into the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). This approach will enable investments in resilient infrastructure, delivering multifold benefits to the community,” he added. </p>