Detailed Project reports of LIDAR survey of forest areas released

Category
Environment
Published
6th Jul, 2021

Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change released the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of LiDAR-based survey of forest areas in ten states namely Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Context

About

About the LIDAR survey of forest areas

The project study is awarded by WAPCOS, a PSU under the aegis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were formed using the LiDAR technology.
The DPR’s were produced using LiDAR technology in which the 3-D(three-dimensional) DEM (Digital Elevation Model), imagery, and layers of the project areas are used.

Significance of study:

The project will help augment water and fodder in jungles areas. It will -

reduce human-animal conflict
help in groundwater recharge
help local communities
state forest departments to use CAMPA funds
The project reports will help recommend the micro soil and water conservation structures consistent with site-specific geography, topography, and soil characteristics.
It will recommend different types of Soil & Water conservation structures such as Anicut, Gabion, Gully Plug, Mini percolation tank, Percolation Tank, Field bund, Sunken pond, Farm pond, etc.
These structures will help in catching the rainwater and prevent stream runoff, which will help in recharging Groundwater.

What is LiDAR technology?

Lidar stands for Light Detection and Ranging.
It is a remote sensing method.
It uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth.
These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system — generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
Lidar systems allow scientists and mapping professionals to examine both natural and manmade environments with accuracy, precision, and flexibility.

Applications of LiDAR