Green Cover Index – NHAI signs MoU with NRSC

Source- This post is based on the article “NHAI signs MoU with NRSC for Development and Reporting of “Green Cover Index” for National Highways of India” published in “PIB” on 3rd January 2024.

Why in the News?

NHAI has signed a three-year MoU with the National Remote Sensing Centre to develop and report a “Green Cover Index” for India’s National Highways.

What is the aim of ‘Green Cover Index’ project?

1) Aim: to capture the Green Cover Index region-wise for National Highways in the initial assessment cycle, with subsequent annual cycles focusing on estimating growth patterns using scientific techniques.

2) Agencies involved: NRSC in collaboration with NHAI will conduct a nationwide assessment for National Highways.

3) Technology: It will be done with the help of high-resolution satellite imagery.

4) Feature: It will provide an estimate of green cover for every 1 km length.  

Note- As a demonstration of its capabilities, NRSC has already executed successful pilot projects to estimate green cover along National Highways.

What are the Significances of the project?

1) It will provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for generating a macro-level estimate of greenery along National Highways.

2) It will enable focused interventions in areas identified as lacking sufficient green cover.

What is the National Remote Sensing Centre(NSRC)?

1) NRSC is one of the primary centers of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Department of Space (DOS).

2) Headquarter – Hyderabad

3) Mandate: To set up ground stations for satellite data reception, produce data products, and develop techniques for remote sensing applications, including geospatial services contributing to good governance.

UPSC Syllabus – Indian Economy (Infrastructure)