Haryana is set to become a strategic hub for research on earthquakes, floods, and military security using high-resolution geospatial data. Under the National Geospatial Policy, the Government of India has selected five states, including Haryana, for the first phase of Operation Dronagiri, a mission aimed at revolutionizing development and disaster preparedness through digital mapping and analytics.
The project will kick off with a pilot in Sonipat, making Haryana one of the first states to implement this data-driven initiative.
🗺️ What is the National Geospatial Policy?
The National Geospatial Policy (NGP) is aimed at promoting economic growth, national development, and a data-driven governance ecosystem. By collecting high-quality geospatial data, the project intends to address key challenges in agriculture, transportation, infrastructure, skill development, and disaster risk reduction.
📌 Why Haryana?
Haryana has been selected due to its geopolitical importance, proximity to defense zones, and urban expansion potential. Alongside Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam have also been shortlisted for the project’s first phase.
🚀 Pilot Project Begins in Sonipat
The geospatial mission will commence in Sonipat, chosen as the pilot district for Haryana. The project will utilize advanced drone-based mapping, remote sensing, and GIS (Geographic Information System) tools to collect real-time data on terrain, infrastructure, disaster-prone zones, and urban landscapes.
🏛️ Committees Formed for Execution & Monitoring
To ensure effective implementation, the Haryana government has established State and District-Level Committees.
-
At the state level, the committee will be chaired by the Director of Land Records, and the Survey of India Director will serve as Member Secretary.
-
At the district level (Sonipat), the Deputy Commissioner will lead, with the Superintendent Surveyor from Survey of India as Member Secretary.
Key responsibilities include:
-
Laying down operational frameworks
-
Coordinating with central/state agencies
-
Monitoring implementation
-
Addressing field-level challenges
📊 Where Will the Geospatial Data Be Used?
1️⃣ Military and National Security
Geospatial data will be used for monitoring and planning of defense infrastructure and military security zones. It helps in logistics, strategic deployment, and real-time surveillance.
2️⃣ Disaster Management
This data will enhance capabilities for earthquake and flood prediction, emergency response planning, and early warning systems. Events like landslides, fires, and cyclones can be tracked more effectively.
3️⃣ Agriculture and Smart Farming
Farmers will receive data-backed advisories to optimize crop yield, irrigation management, and fertilizer use. Satellite imagery and AI-based mapping will support precision agriculture.
4️⃣ Urban and Infrastructure Planning
The data will support urban development, including road mapping, drainage systems, pollution hotspots, and zoning compliance for planned infrastructure growth.
📌 What is Geospatial Data?
Geospatial data refers to information that is associated with a specific location on the Earth’s surface. It captures physical features, infrastructure, and even events using geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude).
It includes:
-
Natural terrain: Mountains, rivers, forests
-
Man-made structures: Roads, buildings, bridges
-
Events: Earthquakes, floods, wildfires
Technologies used for geospatial data collection include:
-
GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
-
Satellite imagery
-
GPS
-
Drone surveys and LiDAR scanning
🌐 Why This is a Game-Changer for Haryana
This mission represents a significant leap toward Digital India and precision governance. It will not only improve public service delivery but also ensure better resource allocation, policy-making, and sustainable development through data transparency and accountability.
