NEW DELHI: Following massive floods in Jammu and Kashmir caused by flooding of the Jhelum after rains, the Ministry of Water Resources, along with the ISRO, has decided to launch a comprehensive study of the country’s 12 major rivers, including the Ganga and the Yamuna, to understand morphological changes and erosion of river banks over the years.A team of experts from the Water Ministry and ISRO has drawn up a list of 12 big rivers which have major cities located along their course. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, at a meeting earlier this month, emphasised the increased use of space technology by the central ministries and government departments in areas of infrastructure development, disaster management and improving governance among others.
According to the Water Ministry, river development is part of the ministry’s mandate and the objective of the study is to understand the morphological changes in these rivers. Satellite imagery will be used to monitor the rivers in all seasons -- pre-monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon -- and the extent of changes on them at various places. “The study would help us in understanding river behaviour and would help us manage the river and take preventive action. This will also give us an idea on reasons and specific locations, which have undergone changes,” said a senior official.
Recent flood tragedies has brought focus on understanding the morphological changes that happens in big rivers.