NDRF inks pact with ISRO arm to get satellite data on disasters

NEW DELHI: In order to obtain the vital "third eye" to tackle disasters, the NDRF today inked a pact with the National Remote Sensing Centre which will provide the force with geo-spatial and other satellite data for sharpening its relief and rescue operations.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in this regard by National Disaster Response Force chief O P Singh and senior NRSC Scientist Bhanumurthy here today.

The new partnership will allow the force to access the NRSC, Hyderabad and the Indian Space Research Organisation's ( ISRO) technical database on disaster management support to not only prepare for the onslaught of a natural disaster but also while preparing the physical response to such calamities.

"The force is committed to improve the quality of disaster response with the pace of time and signing of MoU with the NRSC would prove cornerstone in launching specialised disaster response which would be technology-driven," NDRF Director General Singh told PTI.

As per the protocols of the MoU, the NRSC would also share with the NDRF mobile Applications developed as part of the National Disaster Emergency Management for responding to such emergency situations where the fury of the devastation caused by the nature, at times, remains unpredictable.

"We will also be able to obtain space data during disasters for effective use at the field-level, including maps and reports. Such information would give us the vital 'third eye' to prepare and send fully equipped teams to initiate quick relief and rescue operations," Singh said.

The NRSC, under the ISRO, is the national organisation having expertise in the field of Geographic Information System and is responsible for acquisition, processing and supply of aerial and satellite remote sensing data.