Govt launches LiDAR survey reports to augment water in forest areas

What is the News?  

The Union Environment Minister has released detailed project reports of the light detection and ranging(LiDAR) based survey of forest areas in 10 states.  

Note: LiDAR is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges & variable distances.  

 About the Survey:  

• Coverage: The survey was carried out in forest areas of 10 states. These states include Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura.  
• Conducted by: The survey was conducted by WAPCOS, a Public Sector Undertaking(PSU) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.  
• Method: The survey has used the LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology to create 3-D images of the forest areas to recommend soil and water conservation structures.  

• These structures will help in catching the rain water and prevent stream run off which will help in recharging of Groundwater.  

 Significance of this survey:  

• The survey is the first of its kind and a unique experiment using LiDAR technology.  
• The reports from the survey will help in identifying areas require soil and water conservation structures. It will in turn help local communities.  
• Moreover, it will also help animals as they don’t need to venture out in search of water thereby reducing human-animal conflict.  

 Implementation of Projects by States:  

• The Government of India will provide funds from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority(CAMPA) to states so that they can enhance water resources within the forests to meet the needs of flora and fauna as well as fodder augmentation. 

Source: Indian Express