How geospatial technology can help India's climate woes

topic:	Innovation
located:	India
editor:	Rishabh Jain

On 26 June, flash floods and landslides caused massive roadblocks in various parts of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh in India. It is evident that, as the climate undergoes continuous change, the frequency of climate-related hazards is escalating, with increasing intensity and danger. An analysis conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) revealed that nearly 75 percent of India's districts are susceptible to extreme climate events.

In this regard, the integration of geospatial technology holds immense potential to prevent further human losses. Geospatial technology is particularly well-suited for disaster management as it allows for the precise referencing of almost every aspect of a disaster based on its location.

Geospatial technologies, including satellite imagery, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS), offer invaluable data and tools to monitor, analyze and respond to natural disasters and climate-related challenges.

Geospatial data encompasses information in a dataset that includes details related to location, such as coordinates, addresses and spatial patterns. As of 2022, the combined expenditure of India's Union and state governments on the geospatial aspects of their programs amounted to approximately INR 300 crore. The Indian geospatial industry is expected to experience a growth rate of 12.8 percent, reaching a valuation of INR 63,000 crore by 2025, and generating employment opportunities for over 1 million individuals, according to the National Geospatial Policy.

However, there are several challenges associated with scaling up geospatial technology in policy and decision-making processes. The first challenge includes access to reliable and up-to-date geospatial data, which is crucial for effective decision making. However, obtaining comprehensive and high-quality data can be challenging.

Data collection, integration, and maintenance require significant resources and expertise. In some cases, data may be incomplete, outdated, or not standardized, limiting its usefulness for policy formulation and decision-making.

The second challenge with using geospatial technology is that it involves sensitive information, including land records, infrastructure details and demographic data. Clear legal and policy frameworks are necessary to address issues related to data privacy, security and ownership.

Additionally, geospatial technology relies on robust infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity, data storage facilities and computing resources. In some regions, especially rural and remote areas, access to such infrastructure may be limited.

Bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology infrastructure is crucial for enabling the widespread adoption of geospatial technology in policy and decision-making.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving government support, investment in infrastructure and capacity-building, stakeholder collaboration, and the development of clear legal and policy frameworks. By leveraging geospatial technologies, the country can better understand vulnerabilities, enhance early warning systems, streamline response and recovery efforts, and develop effective climate change-adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Image by Vivien Wauthier

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