POTENTIAL OF GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE

WATER SECTOR IN INDIA

July 2021 | 1
© ASSOCIATION OF GEOSPATIAL INDUSTRIES COPYRIGHT 2021

Disclaimer

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cannot be held responsible for omissions or errors. This document is for information purposes
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 CONTENTS
Executive Summary 7

Foreword 9

Overview of Water Sector in India 10

• Key Concerns for the Indian Water Sector 11

• Key Stakeholders of Water Sector 13

• Overview of past water projects in india 16

• Majour ongoing water projects in india 21

Overview of Geospatial Technologies and Ecosystem in India 34

• Geospatial technologies in relation to digital technologies 36

• Key Geospatial Stakeholders 41

Geospatial Technology for Water Sector 42

• Geospatial Technology for various on-going water projects 46

Recommendations 56

Annexure: Water Tools 60

Annexure: Case Study 64

References 75

Acknowledgement 77

4 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 5
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As the severity of the water crisis in India increases every year,
central and state government agencies are using a variety of
resources to tackle the water crisis. One among them is the
adoption of Geospatial technologies supported by various
government, private and academic institutions in India.

LIST OF FIGURES It has been widely seen that precise, real-time, and continuous
data that geospatial sources provide for the water sector have
a significant impact in the prognosis of water related projects.
1 Aqueduct Global Water Stress Index 11 It enables better measurement, management, and maintenance
of assets, monitoring of resources and even providing
2 Aspects of Water Resources & Utilities Management 13 predictive and prescriptive analysis for forecasting and planned
interventions.
3 Key Water Sector Stakeholders 14
For the geospatial ecosystem, water sector has been an active
4 Geospatial Data in Industry 4.0 40 user that has implemented several projects and programmes
using satellite based remote sensing, other in-situ survey data,
5 Overview of Geospatial and Water Sector Ecosystem 41
GIS and spatial analytics, 3D modelling and precise positioning
6 Application of Geospatial and Digital Technologies data.
for the Water Sector 44
This report intends to understand the water sector in our
7 Area of Geo-database and DEM preparation by Survey of country and provide an outline of the scope, budgets and
India for NHP 65 stakeholder ecosystem of various national level water-related
programmes and projects. It goes on to provide an overview
8 Sample Geodatabase Map 65 of geospatial technologies, its relationship and place in the
digital world and deep dives into assessing the use geospatial
9 Area covered for DEM of 0.5m accuracy 65
technologies in the water-related programmes and projects,
10 A CORS Network 66 highlighting the potential capabilities at various points.

11 UP and UK CORS Network 66 Several recommendations have been given in the report
to strengthen the relationship between water related
12 Planning of Geoidal Model for UP 66 organizations in our country with the geospatial industry and
other stakeholders for better understanding and adoption of
technology. It also gives few case studies highlighting the use
of geospatial technologies in different contexts. Lastly, some
openly available geospatial and digital tools that are widely used
by the global, national, and sub-national level agencies have
been given as annexure.

6 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July

July2021
2021 | 7
 FOREWORD
Water is intrinsically related to human life. Civilizations have
depended on the availability of water to flourish since time
immemorial. However, as the world around us undergoes
developmental and natural processes, access to this elixir of life
has increasingly become difficult. To the extent that water is
now being traded as a commodity, like gold or silver.

India has about 17% of the world population, but only about
4% of the world’s freshwater reserves, and is currently facing a
severe water challenge. Hence, ensuring water security is a high
priority for the Government of India.

As providers of geospatial content, services, solutions and

platforms, the geospatial industry is geared to assist the
government in accomplishing this critical goal. Availability of
clean water to all for personal, industrial, and agricultural use
will not only ensure India reaches its vision of becoming a USD 5
Trillion economy but will also enable our country to achieve the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Through this report, AGI India endevours to highlight the

benefits of using Geospatial technologies for the on-going water
programmes in India and how the industry can work with the
government to deliver better results.

Agendra Kumar
President
Association of Geospatial Industries

8 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 9
 Figure 1: Aqueduct Global Water Stress Index1

This visual representation prepared is around 320 bcm. As the country

by Aqueduct , presents the global that withdraws the largest quantity of
water stress index. Baseline water underground water, India fills ground
stress measures the ratio of total water water aquifers at the rate of 458 bcm per
withdrawals to available renewable year, while it extracts around 650 bcm
surface and groundwater supplies. Water of water from the earth. 89% of India’s
withdrawals include domestic, industrial, water resources are used for agriculture,
irrigation, and livestock consumptive out of which 65% is withdrawn from
and non-consumptive uses. Available under the ground. Industry too obtains
renewable water supplies include the around 80% of their water requirements
impact of upstream consumptive water from underground sources. Thus, one of
users and large dams on downstream India’s biggest challenges is to conserve
water availability. Higher values indicate groundwater.

OVERVIEW OF more competition among users. India is

one of the most severely water stressed
As per a NITI Aayog report, currently

WATER SECTOR IN INDIA

nearly 820 million people in 12 major river
countries in the world.
basins of India face extreme water stress
KEY CONCERNS FOR THE INDIAN situation. India also performs poorly
Water is the source of life - an essential for all human activities, however, with WATER SECTOR in almost all aspects of Environment
increasing agriculture, commercialization, rapid population explosion and Performance Index as assessed by the
changing consumption patterns, the need for water, especially clean water, is at India receives 3,000 billion cubic metres Yale University that includes parameters
an all-time high. India is no exception to this demand. As a fast developing and of water every year through rainfall or like Sanitation and Drinking Water and
second most populous country in the world, India is facing a severe water crisis other sources such as glaciers; of this, Water Resources. Further, there has been
that is becoming a critical issue. Home to about 17% of the world population, and only 8% is collected. Total capacity of a 136 per cent increase in the number of
around 20% of world’s livestock population, India has access to only about 4% of India’s reservoirs stands at 250 billion grossly polluting industries between 2011-
the world’s freshwater reserves. cubic meters (bcm), while its total 2018, according to the State of India’s
water bearing capacity over the surface Environment (SoE) In Figures, 2019.

10 | Potential
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 Figure 2: Aspects of Water Resources & Utilities Management

Ground Water Watershed

Management Management

River Linking and

Aquifer Mapping Rejuvenation

Various
River Basin Aspects of the Dams Construction
Management and Rehabilitation
Water Sector
in India
Irrigation
Flood Management
Management

Water Quality Water Utilities

Of the 189 million households in percent of India’s population has access

Rural India, only 51 million (26%) have to safe managed drinking water, and that
KEY STAKEHOLDERS OF WATER SECTOR
household tap water connection. India too is inequitable. A big concern for the In view of the challenges that pervade the water resources sector and water utility
also has insufficient water storage water utilities is the high levels of revenue services in our country, the Government of India has taken numerous steps to address
capacities. While some countries have loss in terms of Non-Revenue Water or the issue, while emphasizing on the use of technology for the purpose. Previously, water
capacities up to 5000 mt cube per water that is unaccounted for. This is was a subject which was dealt by almost nine Ministries. The present government has
person storage infrastructure, India only mostly due to an almost non existing integrated the work of these various Ministries and brought them under the Ministry of
has about 200 mtr cube per person. This water metering in the country. Jal Shakti with two Departments i.e. Department of Water Resources, River Development
results in droughts even in years that and Ganga Rejuvenation (Jal Sansadhan, Nadi Vikas Aur Ganga Sanrakshan Vibhag) and
Lastly, the science in water resources
experience good monsoons. Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (Peya Jal Aur Swachhata Vibhag). Hon’ble
management is very complex and
Prime Minister has also set a revolutionary goal of bringing piped drinking water to all
Adding to the issue of lack of water dynamic. The implication of an applied
households, for which the Centre and the states will together spend 3.5 lakh crore rupees.
availability is the issue of water quality. strategy is not known in the short run.
This initiative will play a big role in making India a 5 trillion-dollar economy. This initiative
Even the water that is available is not The gestation period for any quantifiable
is integrated with ensuring source sustainability and gray water treatment.
fit for direct consumption. Groundwater change is upwards of a decade, hence
in one-third of India’s 600 districts is adoption of appropriate technology tools
contaminated mainly through fluoride and and analytics to assess the situation and
arsenic. India’s economic burden through simulate various possibilities is critical
water borne diseases is approximately for sustainable development in the water
USD 600 million a year. Less than 50 sector.

12 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 13
Figure 3: Key Water Sector Stakeholders
Corporate Bodies

Ministry of Jal Shakti 18. Narmada Control Authority (NCA) 19. Cauvery Water Management
Authority

Central Government Organisations

Registered Societies/ Autonomous Bodies
Attached Offices
20. National Water Development 23. National Mission for Clean Ganga
1. Central Water Commission (CWC) 2. Central Soil & Materials Research Agency (NWDA) (NMCG)
Station (CSMRS) 21. National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) 24. National River Conservation Directorate
22. North Eastern Regional Institute 25. National Water Informatics Centre
of Water and Land Management (NWIC).
Subordinate Offices (NERIWALM) 26. Polavaram Project Authority (PPA)
3. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) 8. Farakka Barrage Project (FBP)
4. Central Ground Water Authority 9. Farakka Barrage Project Control Public Sector Undertakings
(CGWA) Board
27. National Projects Construction 28. Water & Power Consultancy
5. Central Water & Power Research 10. Sardar Sarovar Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC Ltd.) Services Limited (WAPCOS Ltd.)
Station (CWPRS) Advisory Committee
6. Bansagar Control Board (BCB) 11. Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB)
7. Ganga Flood Control Commission 12. National Water Information Centre
(GFCC) (NWIC)
State Government Departments Training and Research Institutes
• Irrigation • NWA
• Flood Control • WALMI
Statutory Bodies
• Water Resources • NERIW
13. Tungabhadra Board (TB) 16. Godavari River Management Board • Watershed Management • WALAMTARI
14. Betwa River Board (BRB) (GRMB)
• River Development • CWRDM
15. Brahmaputra Board (BB) 17. Krishna River Management Board
• Water Supply • Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water
(KRMB)
• Urban Local Bodies Training and Research Institute

14 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 15
OVERVIEW OF PAST WATER PROJECTS IN INDIA
Rationalisation of Minor Irrigation Statistics (RMIS)
The Government of India has been investing heavily into water related projects, be it
for water resource management, watershed development or agriculture and irrigation Scope
projects since Independence. Here is a brief snapshot of the projects undertaken in the The main objective of the RMIS scheme is to build a comprehensive
last decade, that have now been merged into various national level programmes.   and reliable database in Minor Irrigation (Ml) sector for effective
planning and policymaking. The major activity under the scheme is
the Census of Ml schemes conducted in the States/UTs covering all
Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) groundwater and surface water schemes.

Scope
Provide central assistance to major/medium irrigation projects in Budget: INR 17.84 crore
the country, with the objective to accelerate implementation of such incurred during 2017-18 Launch Year: 1987
projects which were beyond the resource capability of the States or INR 257.78 crore allocated
were at an advanced stage of completion. for next census

Budget: INR 55,196 Crore Launch Year: 1996 Responsible Ministry

Minor Irrigation (Stat.) Wing of Department through State governments
Responsible Ministry
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation
(MoWR,RD&GR) Outcome
All India Censuses of Minor Irrigation (MI) schemes have been
conducted under RMIS scheme in 1986-87, 1993-94, 2000-01, 2006-
Outcome 7, and 2013-14. A dedicated online portal for 5th Minor Irrigation (MI)
Since its inception, 297 Irrigation / Multi-Purpose Projects have been Census has been developed which facilitated online data entry, updation,
included for funding under AIBP. Out of these 143 projects have been validation and tabulation. Data can be accessed by both Central level
completed and 5 projects were foreclosed. An irrigation potential of and State level users in real time.
24.39 Lakh ha has been created through the completed projects

Merged Into
Merged Into
Now called Irrigation Census, under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015-16 Yojana (PMKSY) since 2017

16 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 17
 Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)

Scope Scope
• Comprehensive • Environmental benefits through Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP), Desert Development
improvement and improved water use efficiency; by Programme (DDP) and Integrated Wastelands Development Programme
restoration of water bodies promotion of conjunctive use of (IWDP) were integrated and consolidated into a single modified
thereby increasing tank surface and groundwater. programme called Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).
storage capacity. • Community participation and self- The main objectives of the IWMP were:
• Groundwater Recharge. supporting system for sustainable • Harnessing, conserving • Prevention of soil run-off
• Increased availability of management for each water body. and developing degraded • Regeneration of natural vegetation
drinking water. • Capacity Building of communities, natural resources such as
• Rainwater harvesting & recharging
in better water management. soil, vegetative cover &
• Improvement in agriculture/ of ground water table
• Development of tourism, cultural water
horticulture productivity. • Introduction of multi-cropping &
activities, etc. • Restoring the ecological
• Improvement of catchment diverse agro-based activities
balance
areas of tank commands. • Promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Budget: INR 300 crore (2002-7) Budget: INR 11,250 crores Launch Year: 2009
INR 5,009.16 crore (2007-12) including external and domestic support.
INR 9,050 crore for PMKSY (HKKP)
Responsible Ministry
Department of Land Resources (DoLR)
Responsible Ministry
Ministry of Water Resources Launch Year: 2005
Outcome
DoLR sanctioned, 8214 watershed development projects covering an
Outcome area of about 39.07 million hectare in 28 States (except Goa) [now 27
2002-7: Covered 1098 water bodies in 26 districts of 15 States created States and UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh) during the period
0.78 lakh ha of additional irrigation potential. 2009-10 to 2014-15. During the year 2018, 1832 projects (345 uninitiated
and 1487 in preparatory stage) were transferred to various States for
2007-12: 3341 water bodies (with domestic support) with CCA of 3.094 implementation from the Budget of the concerned States. Thereafter,
lakh ha and 10887 water bodies in four States namely Odisha, Karnataka, DoLR is implementing 6382 projects.
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (with external support) with CCA of
8.25 lakh ha were covered.
PMKSY (HKKP) component targets to create 21.0 lakh ha of irrigation Merged Into
potential including 1.50 lakh ha from RRR of water bodies scheme.
Consolidated as the Watershed Development Component of Prime
Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (WDC-PMKSY) in 2015-16.
Merged Into
Scheme has become a part of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
(PMKSY) Har Khet Ko Pani since 2015

18 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 19
 Flood Management Programme (FMP)

Scope
The project aimed to take up works related to river management, flood
control, anti-erosion, drainage development, flood proofing works,
restoration of damaged flood management works, anti-sea erosion and
catchment area treatment.

Budget: IINR 8,000 crores from 2007-2012 and INR 10,000 crore from
2012-2017
MAJOUR ONGOING WATER PROJECTS IN INDIA

Responsible Ministry
Launch Year: 2007 Jal Jeevan Mission - Rural
Ministry of Water Resources
Scope
Provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every
Outcome rural household by 2024 with a service level of 55 litres per capita
In total during XI and XII Plans, 522 works with a total estimated cost of per day (lpcd). The scheme is also known as Har Ghar Nal Se
INR 13,238.36 crore were approved under FMP. Jal (HGNSJ). It also includes source sustainability – Rain water
harvesting, groundwater recharge, and other water conservation
Merged Into measures along with grey water management. The following
programmes of GoI have been subsumed in JJM:
Merged with River Management Activities & Works related to Border
Areas (RMBA) to form the Flood Management and Border Areas • Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project for low income
Programme (FMBAP) in 2017 States (RWSSP-LIS)
• National Water Quality Sub-Mission (NWQSM)
• Water quality earmarked allocation (JE-AES)
River Management Activities and Works related to Border Areas (RMBA) • Swajal Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance (WQM&S)

Scope
The project’s objective was to take up non-structural measures such Budget: INR 3.5 lakh crore
Duration: 2019 - 2024
as Hydrological Observation and Flood Forecasting works on common for 2019-2024
border rivers, payment to neighboring countries (viz. Bangladesh, Nepal,
China, Pakistan and Bhutan) for supplying HO data on common rivers,
investigation of WR projects in neighbouring countries, activities of Responsible Agency
GFCC and Pancheswar Development Authority (PDA). Geographic Coverage Department of Drinking
Country wide Water and Sanitation,
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Budget: INR 820 crore from 2007-2012; INR 740 crore from 2012-2017

Other Stakeholders
Responsible Ministry
Launch Year: 2007 • State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) at the state level
Ministry of Water Resources
• District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) at the district-
level
Merged Into • Village Water and Sanitation Committes (VWSC) at the Gram
Merged with River Management Activities & Works related to Border Panchayat (GP) level
Areas (RMBA) to form the Flood Management and Border Areas
Programme (FMBAP) in 2017

20 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 21
 Jal Jeevan Mission - Urban Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)

Scope Scope
• Universal coverage of water supply to all households in 500 To improve safety and operational performance of 198 dams, along with
AMRUT cities institutional strengthening. Key activities included Design Flood Review,
• Aim to provide tap water connection to 28.6 million urban publication of important Guidelines as well as Manuals dealing with Dam
households, as well as liquid waste management in 500 Safety Management, preparation of O&M Manuals, Emergency Action
AMRUT cities. Plans, development of web-based asset management tool i.e. Dam
Health And Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA), Seismic
Hazard Mapping along with development of Seismic Hazard Assessment
Budget: INR 2,87,000 crore Information System (SHAISYS), Risk Assessment of few selected dams.
Duration: 2021 - 2026
for 2021-2026
At the close of DRIP-1 project, The World Bank has outlined the following
achievements:
Responsible Agency • 197 project dams with the improved ability (structural or non-
Geographic Coverage Ministry of Housing and structural) to safely cater for the design floods
500 AMRUT cities Urban Affairs • 198 project dams with acceptable stability and seepage
• 198 project dams with basic dam safety facilities in place
• 150 project dams with need-based O&M plans operationalized
Other Stakeholders • 150 project dams where emergency response plans have been
prepared and disseminated to the population.
• State Governments and Urban Local Bodies

Budget: INR 3,466 cr Duration: 2012-2020

Namami Gange
Geographic Coverage
Scope Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and
• Effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of Uttarakhand
National River Ganga. Components include:
Responsible Agency
• Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure • Public Awareness
• Central Water Commission • Kerala State Electricity Board
• River-Front Development • Industrial Effluent
(CWC) • Karnataka Water Resources
• River-Surface Cleaning Monitoring
• Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Development Organisation
• Bio-Diversity • Ganga Gram
Limited • TANGEDCO Tamil Nadu
• Afforestation • Odisha Water Resource • Kerala Water Resources
Department Department
• Tamil Nadu Water Resources
Budget: INR 20,000 crore Duration: 2014 onwards Department

Geographic Coverage Other Stakeholders

Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Himachal State Dam Safety Organizations & State Project Management Units &
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Institutions like Central Water and Power Research Station, NIT Calicut,
College of Engineering Trivandrum, MANIT Bhopal, MNNIT Allahabad,
Responsible Agency Other Stakeholders College of Engineering Chennai, IIT Madras, IISC Bangalore, IIT Roorkee,
National Mission for Clean • State & District Governments CSMRS
Ganga (NMCG)

22 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 23
 Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase 2 & 3 National River Linking Project (NRLP)

Scope Scope
To improve safety and operational performance of 736 dams, along Large-scale civil engineering project that aims to effectively manage
with institutional strengthening with system wide management water resources by linking Indian rivers by a network of reservoirs and
approach. canals to enhance irrigation and groundwater recharge, reduce persistent
floods in some parts and water shortages in other parts of India.

Components:
Budget: INR 10,200 cr
• Northern Himalayan rivers inter-link component
(World Bank INR 7,000 Crore + State Agencies INR 2800 Crore +
Central Agencies INR 400 Crore) • Southern Peninsular component
• Intrastate rivers linking component

Duration: April 2020 - March 2031

Budget: INR 22,495.62 Crore

Geographic Coverage
19 states covering 22 state agencies: Geographic Coverage
Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka
• Ken-Betwa Link - Completed • Godavari-Cauvery(Grand Anicut)
(WRD), Karnataka (KPCL), Kerala (WRD), Kerala (KSEB), Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, • NWDA identified 14 links under link project
Tamil Nadu (WRD), Tamil Nadu (TANGEDCO), Telangana, Uttar Himalayan Rivers Component • Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga link
Pradesh, UJVNL, West Bengal and 16 links under Peninsular • NWDA has received 47
3 central agencies: Rivers Component proposals of intra-state links
Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), CWC, Damodar Valley Corp. • Ken-Betwa Link Project Phase-II from 9 States viz. Maharashtra,
• Damanganga-Pinjal Link Project Gujarat, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar,
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
• Par-Tapi-Narmada Link Project
Responsible Agency Other Stakeholders and Chhattisgarh
• Mahanadi – Godavari Link Project
Central Water Commission State Project Management Units
(CWC) and Bhakra Beas (SPMUs)
Management Board (BBMB)
Responsible Agency Other Stakeholders
National Water Development Govt proposes to set up
Agency (NWDA) an independent agency -
National Interlinking of Rivers
Authority(NIRA)

24 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 25
 Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) National Hydrology Programme

Scope Scope
The purpose of AMRUT is to: To improve the extent, quality and accessibility of water resources
1. Ensure that every household has access to a tap with the assured information and to strengthen the capacity of targeted water resources
supply of water and a sewerage connection. management institutions in India. Objectives include:

2. Increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well- • To establish and integrate a country-wide hydromet monitoring
maintained open spaces (e.g. parks) network system.

3. Reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing • To provide upto date and reliable hydromet data to stakeholders
facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling). • To develop systems for improved flood forecasting.
In specific the scope related to water supply, sewage and storm water • To develop tools for improved river basin assessment and planning.
drainage are: • Capacity building of the Implementing Agencies.
• Water supply systems including • Decentralised, networked
augmentation of existing water underground sewerage Duration: 2016-2024
Budget: INR 3,680 crore
supply, water treatment plants systems, including
and universal metering. augmentation of existing
• Rehabilitation of old water sewerage systems and sewage
Geographic Coverage Responsible Agency
supply systems, including treatment plants.
Country wide 49 Implementing Agencies.
treatment plants. • Rehabilitation of old sewerage
9 Central agencies, 35 State
• Rejuvenation of water bodies system and treatment plants.
agencies, 3 River basin agencies
specifically for drinking water • Recycling of water for and 2 UTs agencies
supply and recharging of beneficial purposes and reuse
ground water. of wastewater.
Other Stakeholders
• Special water supply • Construction and improvement National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC)
arrangement for difficult areas, of drains and storm water
hill and coastal cities, including drains in order to reduce and
those having water quality eliminate flooding.
problems (e.g. arsenic, fluoride)

Budget: INR 50,000 crore for 2015-2020, INR 7,300 crore for 2021-22

Geographic Coverage Responsible Agency

500 AMRUT cities Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs

Other Stakeholders
State Governments and Urban Local Bodies

26 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 27
 Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY) - Accelerated Neeranchal National Watershed Project
Irrigation Benefit Project (AIBP)
Scope
Scope The project supports WDC-PMKSY through technical assistance to
The major objective of PMKSY is to achieve convergence of investments improve incremental conservation outcomes and agricultural yields for
in irrigation at the field level, expand cultivable area under assured communities in selected sites, and adoption of more effective processes
irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of and technologies into the broader PMKSY in participating states. The
water, enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water project will contribute to enhanced watershed management activities in
saving technologies (More crop per drop), enhance recharge of aquifers two districts in each participating state, covering 450 sub-watersheds,
and introduce sustainable water conservation practices by exploring each of about 5,000 ha and reaching approximately 482,000 farmer
the feasibility of reusing treated municipal waste water for peri-urban households and 2.0 million people. The project would initially focus on 90
agriculture and attract greater private investment in precision irrigation sub-watersheds with intensive technical assistance. After this first phase,
system. PMKSY has been conceived amalgamating ongoing schemes viz. the project would then help scale up best practices into IWMP operations
in an additional 360 sub-watersheds in the eight focal states, within the
• Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) of the Ministry
original two districts per state.
of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation
(MoWR,RD&GR)
• Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) of Department Budget: INR 2,611.90 crores Duration: 2016-2022
of Land Resources (DoLR).
• On Farm Water Management (OFWM) of Department of Agriculture
and Cooperation (DAC) Geographic Coverage Responsible Agency
Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Department of Land Resources
Budget: Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya
Duration: 2015 onwards Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha,
INR 5,300 crore - 2015-16
Rajasthan and Telangana
INR 11,506 crore - 2020-21
INR 11,588 crore - 2021-22 Geographic Coverage
Country wide Other Stakeholders
State Level Nodal Agency assigned under PMKSY for watershed
Responsible Agency development
Ministry of Rural Development National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) Roorkee has been partnered
Ministry of Jal Shakti under the project for development of Decision Support System (DSS) -
Ministry of Agriculture Hydrology

Other Stakeholders
• State Level Sanctioning • At National level, programme is
Committee (SLSC) chaired to be supervised and monitored
by the Chief Secretary of the by an Inter-Ministerial National
respective States are authorized Steering Committee (NSC)
to sanction projects, oversee its under the Chairmanship of
implementation and monitoring. Hon’ble Prime Minister with
• National Executive Committee Union Ministers concerned
(NEC) under the Chairmanship Ministries as a members.
of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. • NRSC

28 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 29
 National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM) River Basin Management

Scope Scope
To support effective management of groundwater resources in the The River Basin Management Scheme comprises of 2 main components
country, the NAQUIM programme involves: namely:
1. Delineation and characterization of aquifers in three dimensions 1. Brahmaputra Board
2. Identification and quantification of issues 2. Investigation of Water Resource Development Scheme (IWRDS)
3. Development of management plans to ensure sustainability of
a. CWC component
groundwater resources
b. NWDA component
Covers around 23.25 lakh Km2 mappable areas distributed over several
States and Union Territories Brahmaputra Board carries out following major works:
Preparation of Aquifer maps on 1:50,000 scale by depicting aquifer Survey, Investigation & preparation of Master PlanPreparation of
geometry in 2D/3D DPR of Multipurpose ProjectsDrainage Development SchemesAnti-
erosion works including protection of Majuli Island, Balat Village in
Budget: INR 3,319 crore Meghalaya, Mankachar and Masalabari area in Assam etc from flood and
Duration: 2012 onwards erosionConstruction of Raised Platforms
for 2012-17
The aim of IWRDS is to plan and develop our water resources projects in
Geographic Coverage Responsible Agency
a holistic manner. It has two subcomponents-
Covers around 23.25 lakh Km2 CGWB
mappable areas distributed CWC component –
over several States To locate a suitable site to establish a project’s techno-economic viability
it undertakes DPR preparation after detailed survey and investigations
Other Stakeholders and studies on hydrological, irrigation planning, environment aspects,
NRSC, GSI, SOI, NIH cropping pattern, crop water requirement etc.
NWDA Component –
It carries out various technical studies to establish the feasibility of the
proposals of NPP.
Flood Management & Border Areas Programme (FMBAP)

Scope Budget: INR 674 crore Duration: 2017 onwards

Effective flood management, erosion control and anti-sea erosion.
Framed by merging the components of two continuing XII Plan schemes
titled “Flood Management Programme (FMP)” and “River Management Geographic Coverage
Activities and Works related to Border Areas (RMBA)”. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, parts of the states of Manipur,
Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir and a part of
West Bengal
Budget: INR 3,342 crore for 2017-2020
INR 8,000 crore for 2012-2017 Responsible Agency Other Stakeholders
Brahamputra Board, CWC, State Governments
Geographic Coverage CGWB, NWDA
Duration: 2007 onwards
Country wide

Responsible Agency Other Stakeholders

CWC State Governments

30 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 31
 Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) Water Resources Projects or Multipurpose River Valley Projects

Scope Scope
Improve management of groundwater resources through community Water resources or Multiple River Valley projects are broadly categorized
participation and demand side interventions in seven states of into irrigation projects and hydroelectric projects. These projects are
the country. The scheme has two components, viz. i) Institutional planned for various purposes like irrigation, hydro-power generation,
Strengthening and Capacity Building Component, aimed at water supply for drinking and industrial purpose, flood control
strengthening the groundwater governance mechanism in the navigation etc. Projects which serve more than one purpose are called as
participating States and ii) Incentive Component, aimed at rewarding/ multipurpose projects.
incentivizing the States for various measures aimed at ensuring the long- India categorises irrigation projects as under:
term sustainability of groundwater resources.
• Major Irrigation: Culturable command area (CCA) more than 10,000
hectares
Budget: INR 6,000 cr (INR 3,000 Duration: 2020-21 to
cr from WB & INR 3,000 cr from 2024-25 • Medium Irrigation: Culturable command area more than 2,000
Central Govt) hectares but less than 10,000 hectares
• Minor Irrigation: Culturable command area up to 2,000 hectares
Geographic Coverage Whereas major and medium irrigation works are meant for tapping
8353 water stressed Gram Panchayats of Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka, surface water (e.g., rivers), minor irrigation mainly involves ground water
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh development, e.g., tube-wells, boring works, etc. These projects are
basically designed for the development of irrigation for agriculture and
Responsible Agency electricity through the construction of dams, bunds, canals etc. There
are several such water resources projects that are being implemented by
The National Program Management Unit (NPMU) at Department of Water
Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR,RD&GR), state governments.
Ministry of Jal Shakti and line departments/State Programme
Management Units (SPMUs) established in the participating states
Responsible Agency Geographic Coverage
Other Stakeholders State governments Country wide
District Implementation Partners (DIPs) , consisting of one or more
NGOs / CBOs

National Water Mission

Scope
The main objective of the National Water Mission is “conservation of
water, minimizing wastage and ensuring its more equitable distribution
both across and within states through integrated water resources
development and management.

Duration Geographic Coverage

2011 onwards Country wide

Responsible Agency Other Stakeholders

Ministry of Jal Shakti, CWC State Water Resources
Departments

32 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 33
 Remote Sensing establishment of relative position and
size according to a given measurement
This technology allows us to requirements. Thus, surveying has
remotely capture features two similar but opposite functions: (1)
of Earth’s surface by using the determination of existing relative
various sensors that are horizontal and vertical position, such as
typically mounted on satellites that used for the process of mapping, and
or airborne vehicles. Remote Sensing (2) the establishment of marks to control
sensors record earth’s reflectance in construction or to indicate land/water
different wavelength, and these received boundaries. Survey equipment include
reflectance value are processed to create theodolite, total station, 3D scanners,
separate image for each wavelength. LiDAR etc.
The reflectance value stored for different
wavelength in different layers, which are A special type of survey relevant for the
also called bands present in that satellite water sector is Bathymetric surveys,
images. A sensor can record several which allows us to measure the depth
wavelengths simultaneously. In general, of a water body as well as map the
there are three wavelengths from visible underwater features of a water body.
i.e. blue wave length, green wavelength Multiple methods can be used for
and red wave length, whereas infrared bathymetric surveys including multi-
can be further defined as near infrared, beam and single-beam surveys, ADCPs,
mid infrared, far infrared and thermal sub-bottom profilers, and the Ecomapper
infrared. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle.
Bathymetric surveys are used for many
Multispectral satellite data for the different types of research including
water sector is extremely useful as it flood inundation, contour of streams
helps extract detailed information and and reservoirs, leakage, scour and
OVERVIEW OF facilitates more accurate interpretation
and classified thematic maps. It helps
stabilization, water-quality studies, dam
removal, biological and spill, and storage
GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES in assessing depth, water turbidity,
understanding aqua culture, assessing
and fill in reservoirs and ponds.

AND ECOSYSTEM IN INDIA water levels, river movement,

understanding water-related disaster
GNSS

Global Navigation Satellite

Geospatial Technologies answer two crucial questions – Where scenarios, overview of population spread
System (GNSS) provides
and How. These are tools that enable us to present the spatial etc.
precise position or geographic
context of phenomena and provides a platform for developing location of people, equipment
Survey
an understanding of ‘what-if’ scenarios by integrating various or things that are attached to a device
other datasets. This technology is used to that includes a GNSS chip. Data about the
make relatively large-scale, location is gathered from a constellation
Today, Geospatial technologies are used by governments,
accurate measurements of of navigation satellites that cover the
scientists, researchers, businesses, and common people alike. The
the Earth’s surface. It includes entire globe. Common applications
term ‘geospatial’ refers not to one single technology, but a sleuth
the determination of the measurement include navigation, and routing. GNSS is
of technologies that help to collect, analyse, store, manage,
data, reduction and interpretation of the also used in high precision construction.
distribute, integrate, and present geographic information.
data to usable form, and, conversely, the
Broadly speaking, it consists of the following technologies:

34 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July

July2021
2021 | 35
GIS or Spatial Analytics Geospatial or location information learning, which refers to the concept that citizen science producing volunteered
has a critical role to play across these computer programs can automatically geospatial data. With expanding network
A Geographic Information
technologies and users from various learn from and adapt to new data without of data inputs, geospatial data is
System (GIS) is a
sectors, including water would need being assisted by humans. Deep learning becoming ever more tedious to handle.
conceptualized framework that
to be able to integrate these into their techniques enable this automatic learning Geospatial Big Data Analytics is creating
provides the ability to capture
workflows to derive optimal results from through the absorption of huge amounts significant impact in a wide variety of
and analyse spatial and geographic
digital technologies. Here is an outline of unstructured data such as text, images, sectors, including humanitarian projects,
data. GIS helps integrate different data
of the interplay between geospatial or video. marketing, financial services, to name a
layers for enabling spatial based decision
technologies and other new-age few.
making for a variety of users from The scientific field of geospatial artificial
technologies and their relevance for the
local governments, transport/logistics, intelligence (geoAI) was recently formed For the water sector, big data analytics
water sector.
insurance, environment monitoring, from combining innovations in spatial can address issues of data scarcity
telecommunications etc. Artificial Intelligence science with the rapid growth of methods by consolidating data available from
in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly different sources, both traditional and
Geospatial Technologies in Artificial intelligence (AI) is the
machine learning (e.g., deep learning), data unconventional. Secondly, big data
Relation to Digital Technologies ability of a digital computer
mining, and high-performance computing analytics can transform data into
or computer-controlled robot
The fourth industrial revolution is marked to glean meaningful information usable information that can support
to perform tasks commonly
by the advent of new-age technologies from spatial big data. geoAI is highly groundwater management, especially at a
associated with intelligent beings.
that is revolutionizing the way we live, interdisciplinary, bridging many scientific local scale. Big data analytics techniques
AI simulates human intelligence in
work, and relate to each other. These fields including computer science, and methods provide benefits beyond
machines that are programmed to think
technologies include Artificial Intelligence, engineering, statistics, and spatial science. traditional analytics, when dealing with
like humans and mimic their actions. A
Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things, large heterogeneous datasets and are
subset of artificial intelligence is machine GeoAI can help professionals in the
Robotics, Virtual Reality, 5G and others. particularly useful when performing
water sector to automatically detect
data-driven modelling. For the water
terrain features, densely distributed
sector, big geospatial data analytics can
building footprints, extract information
help develop algorithms for predictive
from scanned historical maps, cleanse
scenarios used for dam construction,
data in subterranean utility networks,
water resource management, river linking
interpretation of utility drawings and asset
projects etc.
recognition in images. GIS combined
with AI is also useful for developing and Internet of Things (IoT)
maintaining decision-making processes
The network of physical objects
like smart water grids, smart sewage
embedded with sensors/
systems, and smart waste management
software, exchanging data with
systems.
other devices is called the Internet
Big Data Analytics of Things. These sensors measure with
high precision the state of the physical
Geospatial data has always
world such as temperature, humidity,
been characterised as big
radiation, electromagnetism, noise,
data. Geospatial data is
chemicals, etc. Data collected through
being captured from a variety
IoT when combined with geospatial data
of sources, right from satellites, UAV
provides rich knowledge and analytics
mounted sensors, other sensors measuring
about the real world and helps deliver
and monitoring water/air quality, traffic
better outcomes.
patterns, cell phone data, as well as

36 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 37
IoT sensors when combined with GIS With positioning data expected to
technology can be an effective tool for improve to sub-meter accuracy to
generating flooding models, calculating even support 3D location estimates, 5G
the expected excess rainwater, identifying enabled IoT devices will provide precise
groundwater potential zones in hard location about water supply, sanitation,
rock terrain, monitoring the seasonal incidents related to leaks or emergencies
variation of physicochemical parameters in real-time basis. As 5G will enable faster
of an urban water stream, generating machine-to-machine communications,
high-risk floodplain maps, delineating these incoming data from various
groundwater potential zones in hard rock sensors can be integrated in a GIS based
terrain, assessing the spatial variation control centre that will process location
of groundwater quality and producing information in real time and AI systems
salinity hazard maps. Large-scale location will analyse and trigger actions, thereby
measurements are also important in enhancing the ability of decision makers
management of construction sites to better monitor and manage water
and operations, by means of real-time related assets and resources.
sources produce local, high-resolution are means for monitoring, visualizing,
monitoring of the position of assets and
Robotics representations of bathymetry and exploring, optimizing, and predicting
materials for day-to-day management and
topography and enables water balance behaviour and processes related to the
planning, thereby holding potential for the With improvements in the computations at small-watershed scales, corresponding physical entities.
dam construction and rehabilitation work. field of robotics, geospatial which offer insight into the present-day
domain has also gained a new Digital Twins not only integrate the digital
5G dynamics of a strongly human impacted
instrument for data collection representation of physical assets, like
watershed.
5G or fifth generation that offers flexibility and convenience to physical systems of pipes, pumps, valves,
technology standard for map a large area in a faster, consistent, Digital Twin and tanks, but also include historical data
broadband cellular networks is and a more precise manner. Robotic sets such as weather records and real-
Another critical technology,
set to be about 100 times faster mapping has significantly contributed to time dynamic interactions, which allow
which has rapidly evolved
than the currently available 4G networks. the field of localization and mapping, by them to be used for multiple analyses.
in recent times is Digital
The higher networks can transmit much increasingly becoming independent and By combining operational technology
Twin technology. As the name
more data, much faster than present. 5G automated. with information technology, digital
suggests, a Digital Twin is a virtual replica
wireless promises higher capacity, more twins allow users to create simulations
Low-cost robots for remote surface of the physical world, its dynamics, and
reliability, lower latency, and improved and optimisations that can improve
data collection support water processes, which allow us to simulate
coverage, thus bringing greater accuracy in performance. Most importantly, digital
balance computations and hydrologic real life situations and analyse its impact.
positioning services. 5G technologies will twins allow accurate modelling of multiple
understanding where water availability Digital twins are composed of three
make data transfer from IoT devices and scenarios executed virtually to test
data is sparse. Data derived from these parts - the physical entities in the physical
sensors much faster. their effectiveness before changes are
world, the virtual models in the virtual
implemented in the physical asset base.
world, and the connected data that tie
With the application of multi-physics
the two worlds. Geospatial technology,
and multi-scale models, Digital Twins can
when combined with Building Information
also provide prescriptive insights to solve
Modeling (BIM), AI, Big Data Analytics
real-world problems, related to assets of
can provide very precise simulation of the
a water, wastewater, stormwater, or river
real world, which has great potential for
system etc.
the water sector. Geospatial digital twins

38 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 39
Figure 4: Geospatial Data in Industry 4.0 Key Geospatial Stakeholders
are companies that provide all kinds
The Geospatial ecosystem operates under of data/content, products, software,
policies directed by the Department of solutions and services for the water
Science and Technology. The principal sector users. These include providers
National Geospatial Agencies that of spatial data captured from various
provide fundamental datasets to both platforms including satellites, aircrafts,
government and private sector users drones, LiDAR and total station. Then
are National Remote Sensing Centre, there are services companies that provide
ISRO that provides access to all satellite- data digitisation services, application
based imageries required for any project, development, system architecture
and Survey of India, which undertakes development etc.
topographical mapping of the country.
Besides these, there are several other Funding agencies, like the World Bank,
agencies that provide spatial data useful JICA and others also form a part of
for the water sector organizations, like this ecosystem, as most of their funded
Forest Survey of India, Geological Survey projects emphasize the use of modern
of India, Soil and Land Use Survey of India. ICT and Geospatial Technologies.

The other significant part of the ecosystem

is the Geospatial Industry. In India, there

Figure 5: Overview of Geospatial and Water Sector Ecosystem

Policy Makers (like DST,

MeitY, Ministry of Jal
Shakti etc) create
policies conducive to
technology adoption in
Water sector the sector
agencies (all public
and private agencies) at Funding agencies (like
central and state levels the World Bank, JICA,
responsible for ADB) provide funding
maintaining and and technical support
managing water for water projects while
resources, groundwater encouraging technology
levels, dams, rivers, and adoption
provide water as a
utility service
Geospatial &
Water Sector
Ecosystem
Private sector
geospatial and digital Academic and research
technology industry institutes provide
provide Hardware, training and technical
Software, Data from support to water-
various platforms, related public sector
geospatial services and agencies
solutions National Geospatial
Source: National Think Tank (2020), Geospatial Strategy for New India, Geospatial World Agencies (such as
NRSC, ISRO, Survey of
India, Forest Survey and
Geological Survey etc)
provide core,
authenticated
geospatial data and
services

40 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 41
 With advancements in technological • IoT integration and predictive analytics
innovations, the current capabilities of the • Available ready to use configurable GIS
Geospatial industry have expanded too. based solutions template and models
Today, the Geospatial industry can deliver: • Process Support
• Daily/sub-daily revisit satellite imagery • IoT integration results in real-time alert
• Analysis ready base maps management
• Cloud free coverage of satellite • Dashboards for monitoring and decision
imagery making - mapping leakage hotspots
• Delivering satellite data within 24 • Training modules
hours of data capture and reducing the
delivery gap to less than an hour Growing sophistication of Geospatial
technologies when combined with digital
• Creating the whole world in 3D with
Accuracy of 3m in absolute spherical technologies allow users to undertake a
error variety of visualisation and analytics. From
understanding water quality and turbidity,
• Capturing entire land mass of India
in 3D in 1mt in relative and 3mt in risk assessments, change detection to
spherical error within 3 months mapping underground water assets,
• Robotic sensors for capturing data of helping high precision digital construction
inaccessible places of dams to developing prescriptive
modelling of scenarios.
• Integrating historical data, for example,
water level changes, rainfall, etc. Here’s a quick snapshot of the various
• Automatic feature extraction tools applications of Geospatial and Digital

GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY • Global and local view allowing better

management of water resources
technologies for the water sector available
today.

FOR WATER SECTOR

Geospatial Technologies are extremely critical for the water sector.
It helps not only to collect data about assets and resources, but
also enables analysis and interpretation, reporting and monitoring,
planning and decision making and to take informed action. Geospatial
technologies help in increasing process efficiencies, reducing time for
project deployment, ensure better resource management, and offers
an integrated platform for assimilating data from varied sources to
enable informed decision making.

42 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July

July2021
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Figure 6: Application of Geospatial and Digital Technologies for the Water Sector

Classified thematic & Water depth and Aquifer Change River movement River basin/catchment
watershed maps turbidity mapping detection modeling area delineation

Geospatial & Digital Technologies Applications for the Water Sector

prediction
Disaster scenario
Smart water grids

Artificial Intelligence Big Data Analytics

& systems

Digital Technologies

Remote Sensing Surveying

Geospatial Technologies

features
Mapping underwater
Prescriptive analytical

Internet of Things
5G

Aspects of Water Sector

platform

forecasting
Flood inundation &
Spatial Analytics Positioning
Water availability
simulations

Robotics Digital Twin

Water distribution Workflow High precision dam Water quality and Spill and pilferage Managing water &
models management construction pressure mapping assessment sewerage network

44 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 45
 GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY FOR VARIOUS ON-GOING WATER PROJECTS
Indian Remote Sensing Portals for the Water Sector
The value of Geospatial technologies has been well recognised by the Government of
Bhuvan–WBIS: Multi satellite / sensor canal infrastructure, etc.), River India; thus a strong emphasis is laid on its adoption for various projects at different
derived water bodies information is Basins Information, Monitoring and levels. The following section captures the current and potential application of
being utilized to generate monthly / Evaluation of Irrigation Systems (use geospatial technologies in various mission mode water-related projects in the country.
fortnightly spatial map of surface water satellite images as part of performance
bodies. This information is hosted evaluation of irrigation systems after Jal Jeevan Mission - Rural
on Bhuvan and for visualization and implementation of any modernisation/
analysis for the assessment of water improvement schemes of Government) Current Geospatial Adoption
availability and hydrological drought. and an easy to use Dashboard for • MoHUA released an Advisory on • GIS Based Hydrologic Model
Planners & Decision Makers. GIS Mapping of Water Supply and • Mapping sewerage system
Bhuvan-SatAIBP: This facility enables Sewerage Infrastructure in Apr • Identifying location of sewerage wet
CWC Officials to undertake periodic India-WRIS: This portal contains 2020 to facilitate implementation of wells
inventory of irrigation infrastructure information related to Water Resources JJM
• Household mapping
created and assess its status including through dashboards for rainfall, water • Baseline map
• Identifying available sources of
the canal wise physical progress levels & discharge of rivers, water • Population density map drinking water and areas that need
and identification of gap areas bodies, ground water levels, reservoir • Land use map more attention
before proceeding on field visit. It storages, evapotranspiration and soil • Projecting future population • Water consumption in various land
also assists in identifying the critical moisture, as well as modules on water changes and impact on rural use classes and sectors
areas requiring field verification thus resources projects, water bodies, infrastructure
significantly reducing the period of hydro-met data availability and tools
Potential Geospatial Application
visit. Based on the satellite derived for GIS layer editing. India WRIS is,
• Mapping population density vis-a-vis • IOT integration for water quality and
irrigation infrastructure information, at present, receiving data from many
water source/pipelines pressure
monitoring report can be prepared. central and state agencies like CWC,
• Mapping of piped water network • Identification of extraction sites
The facility provides near real time CGWB, IMD, NRSC, Andhra Pradesh,
• Water metering • Simulation for water availability data
online monitoring of funded irrigation Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat etc. on
• Coverage Analysis for planning Gaps
projects, including report generation regular basis.
and viewing of spatial irrigation
NICES portal: National Information
infrastructure information pertaining to
System for Climate and Environment
103 projects.
Studies (NICES) provides national Jal Jeevan Mission - Urban
TWRIS for I&CAD: Telangana Water level accurate, consistent, and long-
Current Geospatial Adoption
Resources Information System term climate database generation,
• GIS based Hydraulic modeling of • Asset mapping - above and
(TWRIS), comprises of online tools, derived from Indian and other Earth
water and wastewater systems underground
geospatial data creation, display, and Observation satellites from both
• Realtime location data integrated in • IoT based sensors for calculating
query by integrating water resources polar and geostationary missions for
SCADA system NRW losses integrated with GIS
data from different sources. TWRIS has climate change impact assessment and systems
• Household mapping with types of
modules on Minor Irrigation Systems mitigation. customers
(geospatial data covering minor
Other offerings from NRSC, ISRO Potential Geospatial Application
irrigation tanks and their attributes
include National Wetland Inventory,
such as hydraulic, hydrologic, structural, • Mapping population density and establishment and Complaint
Large Scale Soil Moisture Map of India, water source/pipelines Registration.
irrigation/command particulars),
Bhoonidhi - ISRO Open Data Access • Mapping of piped water network • Online Alert generation to the
Major & Medium Irrigation Systems
Visualisation of Earth Observation Data • Water metering effecting households by Upstream/
(project location, reservoir details,
and Archival System (VEDAS) and Downstream tracing during any
command area, water spread area, • SCADA Integration with GIS system
more. maintenance activity.
• IOT sensors integration with GIS
system • Allocation of tasks and monitoring of
field workers through mobile apps
• Online Workflow for Connection

46 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 47
 Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)
Current Geospatial Adoption
Geospatial technologies • Emergency preparedness plans
implemented for the DRIP project • Emergency warning systems
include: • Floodplain mapping
• Remote Sensing and GIS for dam • Simulation of waterflow based on
site selection and monitoring various scenarios like various DAM
progress gates opening
• Optical sensors, GNSS and • Simulation to calculate inundated
hydrological sensors for assessing areas based on level of water in the
risks involved in monitoring and DAM
managing dams
• Command and control system to
• GIS & BIM integration for entire centrally manage all resources for
construction lifecycle - Plan, Design, effective monitoring of DAMs
Build, Operate & Maintain
• Improving dam drainage
The above interventions resulted in:
• Improving the ability to withstand
• Assessment of revised dam flood
higher floods
hydrology and actions agreed
• Structural strengthening of dams to address changes in design
Namami Gange • Non-structural measures to cater parameters
for higher design floods • Necessary remedial measures have
Current Geospatial Adoption
• Rehabilitation and improvement of been reviewed and addressed
• Preparation of BaseMap, high- • GIS based modelling for basin different dam parts - spillways, head • Registration and data upload in
resolution DEM and GIS ready management and flow analysis regulators, draw-off gates stilling Dam Assets Management System
database of wetlands, springs, flood • Preparation of a Ganga Monitoring basins etc. (DHARMA)
plain with 10 km buffer on both sides Centre connected to SCADA system • Improving dam safety
of river Ganga using LiDAR • Updation and approval of dam
• Real-time river water quality instrumentation operational manuals
• Use of BaseMap and DEM for 3D • Estimation of river suspended • Hydrological assessments
visualization and analysis like flood • Preparation and approval of
sediments • Asset management plans emergency response plans
mapping, water flow
• Quantification of bedform dynamics
• Change detection analysis to identify and bedload sediment flux in sandy
changes using temporal images braided rivers
• Water quality mapping using IoT • Broad area monitoring
sensors into GIS system
• River morphology
• Mapping of sewerage, industrial waste
• Route alignment
flow, biodiversity profile, forestry,
culture, aquifer • Reassessment of basin wise water
resources of the country including
• Identification of flooded area using
rainfall, temperature, LULC, command
SAR images
area details, cropping patterns, crop
• Land Use Land Cover Map type, cropping seasons, ground water
preparation to study change pattern in spatial scales
for Land Use planning
• Water accounting
• Centralized GIS system to centrally
manage all the data

48 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 49
 Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase 2 & 3 Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
Current Geospatial Adoption Current Geospatial Adoption
• High-res DEM for water storage • Communicate it through GIS based • MoHUA released Advisory on GIS • Projecting future population
capacity, reservoir capacity, slope real-time telemetry and flood Mapping of Water Supply and changes and impact on city
analysis, where to build check dams, forecasting to know the amount Sewerage Infrastructure in Apr infrastructure
3D simulation modeling of water that can be expected in 2020 to facilitate implementation of • GIS Based Hydrologic Modelling of
• DPR for road and pipeline projects reservoirs and work out the demand JJM water and waste water
• Online continuous monitoring to • Estimation of sedimentation and loss • Baseline household map • Realtime data available through
analyse the structural integrity of of reservoirs in the country helped to • Population density map SCADA
Dam upgrade storage capacity • Asset mapping • Mapping sewerage system
• Physical movement trigger alarm • Reservoir operation, reservoir • Mapping of underground assets/ • Identifying location of sewerage wet
• Realtime flood control system sedimentation assessment in live losses/contamination source/ wells
storage zones leakages
• Identify sites through precision • IoT and sensor based meters for
surveying for water shortage • Thermal freely available data are used • Land use map calculating NRW
for reservoir assessments
Potential Geospatial Application
• Mapping of piped water network • Scanning of underground utilities
National River Linking Project (NRLP) distribution and movement of water using GPR
• Real-time communication and • Scanning of above ground utilities
Current Geospatial Adoption collaboration platforms for city using mobile apps and GPS
administrations
• Understand the characteristic of • Prepared water balance study
rivers during monsoon and non- reports and analyzed 137 basins and
monsoon season sub-basins and 71 diversion points
• Prepare Detailed Project Reports • Remote Sensing technology helped
of various interstate and intrastate to understand 16 link projects under
National Water Mission
river links projects peninsular components and 14
Himalayan components Current Geospatial Adoption
Potential Geospatial Application • Mapping of catchments and • Developing digital elevation models
surveying and assessing land for flood prone areas of forecasting
• DEM and High-Resolution Satellite • GIS based analytics and modelling
use patterns with emphasis on flood, and mapping areas likely to
Imagery datasets coupled with land- for scenario
drainage, vegetation cover, silting, experience floods and developing
use/land -cover, geomorphology, soil • Change detection using temporal
encroachment, conservation of schemes to manage floods.
and interpolated rainfall surface maps images mangrove areas, human settlements
can be used to identify the potential • Geospatial data management and human activities and its impact
routes in geospatial domain for to manage huge volume of data on catchments and water bodies.
interlinking (images, vectors, Point cloud, DEMs
• Satellite imagery can be used for etc) Potential Geospatial Application
delineating drought prone areas • Generation of DEMs and Ortho • Mapping of flooded area using SAR
• Use of DEMs and Ortho to simulate images (optical images are covered
flood forecasting with clouds)

50 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 51
 National Hydrology Programme Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY) - Accelerated
Irrigation Benefit Project (AIBP)
Current Geospatial Adoption
• India - Water Resource Information • Supervisory Control And Data Current Geospatial Adoption
System (India-WRIS) ver 1 was Acquisition (SCADA) systems are • Geo-Tagging of Pradhan Mantri • Drishti is the Mobile Application tool
released in July 2019 & ver 2 in Aug being installed on selected projects Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Per Drop prepared by ISRO/NRSC to capture
2020 for water resource operation for automation of water release More Crop (PMKSY-PDMC) Assets data including visuals from the field
and planning systems process based upon real time data • Bhuvan-PDMC Android App for real time monitoring of IWMP
• NHP has integrated 82,000 stations designed exclusively for the Field projects. The tool can also be used
Modernizing mapping services/elevation
and targeting real time data for Data Collection for community monitoring of IWMP
of India towards improved precision
>14,000 stations • Srishti is a GIS based Geo-portal works
- Geoid Model for improved elevation
• Monitoring reservoir siltation developed by ISRO/NRSC to • Irrigation planning and studies
- CORS for improved geo location
through Bathymetry assist in monitoring, evaluation, related to morphological changes
- LIDAR: Airplane and Drone based also use geospatial inputs
• Nationwide repository of water change assessment and provide
resources data - NWIC has been • WRMS –Geo-Spatial Technology is at inputs in planning for watershed • Evapotranspiration for crop water
established to manage India-WRIS a very initial stage and limited management and preparation of assessment
• Establishment of real time data • WRIS – Standard Level –GIS used for Detailed Project Reports (DPR) • Irrigation benchmarking
acquisition system (RTDAS) on pan creation of Information System
India basis • WROPS – Initial Level – GIS layers Potential Geospatial Application
• Analytical tools and knowledge are being used and integrated • Pipeline Distribution Network using • GIS based analytics
products being developed under with attributional information but DEM - Optimum route analysis
the NHP such as streamflow has scope for adding analytical • GIS mapping of entire pipeline
forecasting with a long lead time functionalities in operation network
of four weeks, upscaling of flood management & planning.
forecasting to include inundation • ICE – Standard Level - Central
mapping, sediment transport capacity building agencies are using
modelling, framework for water geo-spatial technologies (Eg. NWA/ Flood Management & Border Areas
resources assessment, reservoir WALMI/WTC/IRI/NGWTRI) for basis Programme (FMBAP)
optimization, glacial lake atlas, GIS Data creation training whereas
Web enabled GIS based spring NIH is at Advance Level as they Current Geospatial Adoption
inventories etc. use different geospatial tools for • NITI Aayog proposed National proofing and warning systems will be
Analysis/Modelling Techniques Water Model for India which can be deployed
built with the help of some scalable • Formation of Flood Management
Potential Geospatial Application
models. NWM is a hydrologic Plans
• Analytical system using Geo-spatial • Making Geo-Spatial technology modelling framework that simulates • Snowmelt forecast
technology as a base for all Capacity building observed and forecast streamflow
courses at all levels • Glacial Lakes Risk Assessment and
• Integration with other systems over the entire geographical region
Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
• Advanced technology like artificial
• Flood forecasting
intelligence, satellites, remote
sensing, drones and GIS for flood • Flood inundation mapping
forecasting, flood plain zoning, flood

Potential Geospatial Application

• DEMs and Ortho image generation • Mapping of flooded areas using
using satellite images and aerial SAR images and overlaying it on
images. archive images to identify effected
• Use of DEMs and ortho images to areas
map the flood plains • Using dashboards for project
monitoring

52 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 53
 Neeranchal National Watershed Project Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY)
Current Geospatial Adoption Current Geospatial Adoption
• Hydrological decision support and • Use of GIS for monitoring and • The scheme encourages use of assess hydrological state variables
monitoring systems are developed, evaluation of the project innovation and technology: through like soil moisture and land
and guidance provided to SLNAs • Establish IT ad GIS enabled land use of remote sensing and GIS surface characteristics. It can
for design of database systems, GIS resource inventory and data bases in • Aerial photography and satellite also help to estimate fluxes like
and mapping through NIH participating States. imagery for identifying potential evapotranspiration
groundwater zones • Groundwater basin models for
• Groundwater estimate conjunctive use of surface water
meteorological variables such as & groundwater and application of
temperature and precipitation, remote sensing /GIS in groundwater
National Aquifer Mapping and Management management
Programme (NAQUIM) Potential Geospatial Application
• High res multi-spectral & multi- management practices that can
Current Geospatial Adoption temporal data for understanding yield better understanding of risks
• Hydrogeology & geophysics data validated for a pilot area simulating terrain, soil texture, GW potential for better decision-making
integrated to delineate aquifers and the field situation zones, rainwater infiltration capacity, • Terrain modeling, flow modeling,
characterize quality and potential • Tested various scenarios in the model site selection for water extraction, and debris flow probability to
• Preparation of aquifer maps to study the response of the aquifer rainwater harvesting understand the condition of
for characterization of aquifers to various stress conditions and • GIS to integrate and analyze varied watersheds
providing spatial variation (lateral predictive simulations have been datasets from geology, land use, • Building hydraulic modeling using
& vertical) in reference aquifer carried out up to the year 2025 lineaments, interconnected fracture remote sensing technologies for
extremities, quality, water level, • Aquifer Response Model has been zones, pediment plains analyzing the available resources
potential and vulnerability (quality & utilized to identify a suitable strategy • Assessment of environmental flows and plan distribution accordingly
quantity) for sustainable development of the • Reservoir sediments assessment • Mapping of catchments and
• A conceptual and mathematical aquifer in the area • Irrigation planning surveying and assessing land
model developed, calibrated and • High-res DEM for watershed use patterns with emphasis on
delineation and drainage network drainage, vegetation cover, silting,
to study parameters like its flow encroachment, conservation of
direction, drainage network, and mangrove areas, human settlements
Water Resources Projects or Multipurpose and human activities and its impact
slopes
River Valley Projects on catchments and water bodies
• Better knowledge of linkages
between various watershed • Geospatial coupled with system
Current Geospatial Adoption engineering techniques, simulation
components along with knowledge
Geospatial technologies are used to determine the location of building the of useful indicators of water resource and optimisation and processing
structures (dams/canals/bunds), they are also used for preparing DPRs and to conditions and quantitative method of big data to simulate and analyse
determine how much area could be irrigated etc. to assess land use and watershed scenarios and strategies

54 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 55
 1. Long-term Geospatial Vision: In sensor network, imagery, DBMS,
order to derive maximum benefit from services and use of big data analytics
geospatial technology implementation needs to increase for better outcomes.
in various programmes, user Further, for optimising results from
departments need to build a long-term available data sources, various systems
vision of the outcomes of geospatial also need to speak with each other and
implementation. This will ensure a integrate their knowledge. For example,
sustainable infrastructure and human only developing a flood modelling
resource investments, as well as better application is not enough. Integrating
programmes outcomes. data about demography, population
density, catchment area discharge
2. Integrated geospatial platform: Even
information, emergency services,
when a lot of data and technology is
agriculture data etc will enable a more
used by various agencies at central and
comprehensive decision-making tool.
state level, they are still functioning in
silos. Since the early 1980s investments 4. Improving water use efficiency:
into water related data generation Agriculture sector is the largest user
and application development has of water resources in our country. They
been done by the central and state use 80-85% of water resources, while
governments. Now, technology offers have only about 30-35% efficiency of
an integrative platform to bring water use. Geospatial technologies
together spatial-temporal data on one can be used for increasing water use
platform that can be shared between efficiency, so that this can be increased
departments/state governments and to at least 50%. Similarly, the industrial
with central government agencies. sector too can look into their effluence
An integrated collaborative platform treatment strategies to improve water
to connect the data and technology use efficiency in the country. Once
used by various organizations need to again, geospatial technologies need to
be developed for seamless access to be used as an integrator technology
information both locally and nationally along with digital technologies like
and enable decision making. This sensors and IoT and Engineering
platform can then be scaled up to solutions for developing simulations
district or village level too, once the to assess, monitor and manage water
requisite data has been added. resources.
RECOMMENDATIONS 3. Data and system integration: Data 5. Sharing of best practices: A lot of
Geospatial technologies have been well recognised by the water by itself is not useful unless it is good work has taken place in pockets
sector for its ability to provide accurate, contextual, and timely contextualised. For this to happen, within state governments or within
data. Most major water sector programmes include geospatial various datasets including demography, programmes related to the water
technology and data use components. Over the years, these have socio-cultural, economic, and other sector. A lot of knowledge exists that
also delivered positive results. However, the potential to expand parameters need to be integrated with can help stakeholders to leverage from
the scope and usage of geospatial technologies still exists. This spatial and non-spatial data related and not re-invent the wheel. A central
to water, like soil moisture, annual repository of such knowledge base, in
chapter elucidates a few recommendations that can ensure that
rainfall, rivers, aquifer, groundwater the form of a Knowledge Portal can be
geospatial data and technologies become an integral part of the
levels, water quality etc. There is also created and maintained by the Ministry
water projects and deliver maximum results.
a need to integrate various geospatial of Jal Shakti that includes case studies,
information from disparate sources best practices, tools, information on
- maps, spreadsheets, social media, data sources etc. that can be used by

56 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July

July2021
2021 | 57
 users from across the nation as well as 8. Domain experts within Industry: free, which can be used for R&D for data capture, distribution, analysis,
academics too. While the government agencies need purposes. Often funds are available or project implementation. The private
to develop capacities for geospatial with projects for data purchase, sector can also provide training to the
6. Creation of a Geospatial unit within and digital technology integration for which are not accessible for non- public sector professionals on new
the departments: One of the most sustainable adoption of technology, project related activities. However, in technology innovations and methods
critical challenges faced by the water- the industry too needs to employ more order to stimulate the R&D initiatives of implementing them.
sector agencies is the implementation subject-matter experts who better within central government agencies
of technology in a sustainable manner. understand the pain points of the user 13.Bi-lateral and Multi-lateral Initiatives:
and other professional bodies, and
Often the government agencies departments and help build solutions India as a dominant country in the
to aid student research, availability
hire consultants for a short span of that speak to the needs of the users SAARC region has much to share with
of free data is critical. This applies to
time for a specific purpose, but after more intuitively. its neighbouring countries in terms of
both geospatial datasets, as well as
the engagement period is over, the learning, water use planning, project
dynamic water related datasets, like
sustainability of the technology is 9. Project specifications: Unclear implementation and technology
the amount of water being extracted,
compromised. In order to address specifications on the use of geospatial adoption. Developing some focused
for what purpose, location of ground
this persistent issue, ministry/state data and technologies in project RFPs engagement strategies with our
water extractions, number of wells in
departments/water agencies may results in proposals that are open for friendly neighbours on water resource
the country, number of other water
consider establishing a dedicated interpretation by the bidders, which management techniques and water
structures, etc.
Geospatial unit or a department, with leads to variations in quotes and utility projects would enable a boost
a dedicated budget and a human difficulties in assessing the outcomes. 12.Public Private Partnerships: There for the industry and also serve as
resource team headed by a Geospatial The Geospatial Unit in the ministry exists lots of opportunities for the a useful bi-lateral or multi-lateral
Information Officer (GIO). SoPs and state departments can ensure public and geospatial private sector to initiative.
developed for these divisions will that RFPs are made in a way that can work together in the water sector. Be it
ensure that any change in leadership optimally utilize geospatial information
does not impact the project execution in the project scope. The geospatial
or adoption of geospatial knowledge in industry and associations can also
the long run. provide guidance and support for
framing RFPs.
7. Capacity Development: Focused
initiatives need to be taken up by 10.Continuous data update: Geospatial
the central and state agencies in information is not a static delivery. To
collaboration with the educational be useful, the data must be updated
institutions and the private sector continuously. The ministry and relevant
for capacity development of serving organizations need to make provisions
officers at various levels. Capacity for continuous data update and publish
development is required not only for it through open platforms. Further,
increasing understanding of geospatial while one project may develop a
technologies role and relevance for certain database for a certain purpose,
the water sector, but also on how to the same data cannot be used without
increase adoption, how to integrate it updates and changes for any other
with digital technologies, and methods purpose, hence taking care of the
of implementation. The industry quality of data is critical. There needs
specifically needs to play a role of hand to be objective driven data collection.
holding agencies while implementing a
11. Research and Development: The
new technology, as they lack relevant
government and industry need
human resource in required numbers
to collaborate to make available
who are proficient in geospatial or
various datasets to the research
digital technologies.
and professional communities for

58 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 59
 India Water Tool
The India Water Tool 3.0 brings together datasets and risk indicators from the
Government of India and other institutions, to help users understand their water risks
and plan interventions for water management in India. The tool gives information
on groundwater levels, Surface Water and Stress Indicators (including total
annual rainfall, availability index, normalized deficit index (NDI), normalized deficit
cumulated (NDC), and baseline water stress. Localised information is also available
for select locations.
https://www.indiawatertool.in/

Flood Forecast for River Basins based on IMD Rainfall Forecast

This is a countrywide framework using the hydrological modelling as a one-stop
window for real-time flow forecast for all 18 river basins of India. This web-based

ANNEXURE: WATER TOOLS tool provides access to simulated real-time river flows at any location of one’s
interest. Using this, one can query, map, chart and summarize key hydrological
parameters along with rainfall and temperature. It uses the SWAT hydrological
WASH Basins model to simulate the river flows. River basins are divided into sub basins (21,647)
WASH Basins is a Toolkit and App for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and sub basins are further divided into hydrological responses units (1,10,000). All
professionals, non-governmental organisations and government agencies working the basins are simulated every day with the updated information on the rainfall
in water and sanitation. Built on the principles of Integrated Water Resource forecasts made by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Simulation is
Management (IWRM), the app helps practitioners facilitate safe, sustainable and being done every day even during the non-rainy days thereby not only providing
equitable water and sanitation services that meet the real needs of communities. flood information but also information on all aspects of water balance including
By considering the national and international context including river basin and low flows, soil moisture, actual evapotranspiration, groundwater recharge, etc.
aquifer pressures, as well as climate change, it aligns with the principles of Such flow forecasts can be very useful for a large number of stakeholders such
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.5 - Water Resources Management. WASH as water managers operating reservoirs, disaster management (NDRF) staff,
Basins was designed by a team of engineers and WASH professionals from the general public, etc. River basin hydrological information that has become available
UK and India, developed alongside two India-based NGO partners, Samerth through this framework can also be useful for many other activities such as
Charitable Trust and People’s Science Institute and tested in more than 40 rural formulation of river basin management plans, flood plain zoning, formulation of
communities in India. reliable and comprehensive farmer’s advisories, as well as providing feedback
for policy making. The framework has been developed by INRM Consultants, a
https://www.frankwater.com/wash-basins company incubated by IIT Delhi.

https://inrm.co.in/Applications/IMD_FF/leaflet_map_Forecast.html” https://
inrm.co.in/Applications/IMD_FF/leaflet_map_Forecast.html#
Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)
The Soil & Water Assessment Tool is a small watershed to river basin-scale model
used to simulate the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater and predict Water Risk Filter
the environmental impact of land use, land management practices, and climate Launched in 2012, the Water Risk Filter is a practical online tool that helps
change. SWAT is widely used in assessing soil erosion prevention and control, companies and investors assess and respond to water-related risks facing their
non-point source pollution control and regional management in watersheds. operations and investments across the globe. Developed by WWF and the
SWAT has been developed by Texas A&M University, Texas A&M AgriLife Research German finance institution DEG, the Water Risk Filter 5.0 enables companies and
and Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. investors to Explore, Assess, Value and Respond to water risks. Lately, the Water
Risk Filter provides scenarios of water risks for 2030 and 2050, integrating climate
https://swat.tamu.edu/
and socio-economic changes in three different pathways.

https://waterriskfilter.panda.org/en/Explore/CountryProfiles#overview/1

60 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 61
 Google Flood Forecasting GEOGloWS
For the past several years, the Google Flood Forecasting Initiative has been Established in 2017 by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Water Community
working with governments to develop systems that predict when and where to provide greater coordination among the diverse freshwater activities within
flooding will occur—and keep people safe and informed. Much of this work is GEO. GEOGloWS is a voluntary mechanism, created by an informal agreement
centered on India, where floods are a serious risk for hundreds of millions of among multiple partners from inside and outside the UN system. This allows
people. The goal of this initiative is to provide accurate real-time flood forecasting for engagement and greater integration with trans-national organizations not
information and alerts to those in affected regions, which is made possible represented in the UN (e.g., ECMWF) and agencies with water responsibilities that
through AI and physics-based modeling that incorporates data from historical are not hydromet services (e.g., SICA/CRRH Central America, CEMADEN-Brazil).
flooding events, river levels, terrain and elevation data. This is used to generate GEOGLOWS is governed by an International Steering Committee, which provides
high-resolution elevation maps and run hundreds of thousands of simulations the vision, strategy, policy, and guidance to the Initiative’s activities. The initiative
for each location. With information obtained through the collaboration with the consolidates elements of freshwater activities in GEO. It ensures that strong
Indian Central Water Commission, Google then creates river flood forecasting coordination and commitment are in place for links among data, information,
models that can more accurately predict not only when and where a flood might knowledge, applications, and policy. From research to implementation, GEOGloWS
occur, but the severity of the event as well. This information is then provided to provides the demonstration grounds for user-driven solutions to address water
users in different formats, so that people can both read their alerts and see them issues.
presented visually in Hindi, Bengali and seven other Indian languages. Google has
https://www.geoglows.org/pages/whoweare
also made the alerts more localized and accurate; and users can easily change the
language or location. In recent months Google expanded their forecasting models
and services in partnership with the Indian Central Water Commission, and have WEAP (Water Evaluation And Planning) System
extended the system to the whole of India to cover 200 million people across
more than 250,000 square kilometers. In addition to improving the alerts, Google. WEAP is a user-friendly software tool that takes an integrated approach to
org collaborates with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent water resources planning. Freshwater management challenges are increasingly
Societies to build local networks that can get disaster alert information to people common. Allocation of limited water resources between agricultural, municipal
who wouldn’t otherwise receive smartphone alerts directly. and environmental uses now requires the full integration of supply, demand,
water quality and ecological considerations. The Water Evaluation and Planning
ttps://india.googleblog.com/2020/09/ai-flood-forecasting-update-2020.html system, or WEAP, aims to incorporate these issues into a practical yet robust tool
for integrated water resources planning. WEAP is developed by the Stockholm
Environment Institute’s U.S. Center.
Water Footprint Network https://www.weap21.org
The Water Footprint Network is a platform for collaboration between companies,
organizations, and individuals to solve the world’s water crises by advancing fair
and smart water use. It seeks to promote water footprint education, research,
exchange, communication, and knowledge dissemination. The network raises Aqueduct
awareness among communities, governments, businesses, and investors of their Aqueduct is part of World Research Institute’s Water Program and related to the
direct and indirect water footprint and encourage government policies and Corporate Water Stewardship initiative. Aqueduct’s tools use open-source, peer
business strategies that minimize the impact of their water footprint. It brings reviewed data to map water risks such as floods, droughts, and stress. Beyond the
together governments, businesses, investors, international institutions, non- tools, the Aqueduct team works one-on-one with companies, governments, and
governmental organizations, and other organizations in their search for water research partners through the Aqueduct Alliance to help advance best practices
footprint reduction and sustainable and fairer water use. in water resource management and enable sustainable growth in a water-
constrained world. The Aqueduct tools and data were developed in collaboration
https://waterfootprint.org/en/
with research partners at Delft University of Technology, Deltares, Utrecht
University, Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), International Food Policy
Research Institute (IFPRI), PBL Netherlands Environmental Agency, and RepRisk.

https://www.wri.org/initiatives/aqueduct

62 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 63
 1

taken. The spatial data model structure as per requirement of NHP has been
standardized and a sample geo-database map is shown in figure 8.

Figure 7: Area of Geo-database and Figure 8: Sample Geodatabase Map

DEM preparation by Survey of India for
NHP

ANNEXURE: CASE STUDIES

National Hydrology Project 1

2) DEM of 0.5 m accuracy

The National Hydrology Project aims • Establishment of CORS Network in UP
to improve the extent and accessibility and Uttarakhand Providing Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of 0.5m accuracy covering an area of 5 km.
of water resources information and • Establishment of Geoidal Model on either side of the riverbank (including river area between the riverbank) of the
strengthen the institutional capacity selected rivers. The area covered for DEM of 0.5m accuracy, is shown as Figure 9. The
to enable improved water resources • Orthometric Heights to Hydromet
details of the area covered are also shown.
stations
planning and management across India.
The Survey of India, as the national • Cross section Bathymetry of Rivers Figure 9: Area covered for DEM of 0.5m accuracy
mapping agency of the country • Training to other Implementing
supported the NHP with required Agencies on Geospatial Technologies.
geospatial data and services.
1) DEM of 3-5m accuracy and Geo-
The key components, which Survey of Database
India addresses through NHP are as
follows: Survey of India is creating the geo-
database and digital elevation model
• Providing updated digital of 3-5m accuracy of around 8,35,000
topographical database on 1:25K scale sq.km. area. The extent of the area is as
survey of around 8,35,000 sq.km. area.
shown in figure-7 below. To create the
• Generation of DEM of 3-5m accuracy of geo-database, ortho rectified satellite
around 8,35,000 sq.km. area. imagery of 0.8-meter spatial resolution
is being used and contours of Survey Aircraft-based LiDAR is being used to capture the terrain data.
• Generation of DEM of 0.5m accuracy of
approximately 58,472 sq.km. area. of India 1:25K scale maps has been

64 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 65
 1 1

5) Ortho-metric Height to Hydromet stations

3) Establishment of Continuously Operated Reference Stations
In the country, there are more than 60,000 Hydromet Stations of mainly two type
A network of Continuously Operated Reference Station (CORS) for UP & UK area i.e., surface water & groundwater. Under NHP-III, levelling height is being provided to
is being established in NHP-III Project. CORS is a network, which will replace the all SW Hydromet points. Height to groundwater hydromet points will be provided
traditional Base station used in observation using DGPS. The instant position accuracy using Geoidal Model. To facilitate this, Geoidal Model of the entire country is being
using Rover Receiver with CORS network will be approximately 2-4 cm. Apart from prepared using high precision levelling and gravity observations.
Hydrology, it will be extremely useful for precision position for agriculture, construction,
mining, transportation, urban map, revenue etc. and many other functional areas. 6) Cross Section Bathymetry of Rivers

This is one of the additional activities of Survey of India under NHP-III Project. So far,
there is no activated and observed data regarding the depth of water in rivers. So,
Figure 10: A CORS Network Figure 11: UP and UK CORS Network
under NHP Bathymetry i.e., topography under water for cross-section of designated
rivers is being provided under NHP. This will help to estimate the volume of flood
water as well as many other hydrological applications.

7) Capacity Building

Under NHP, training is being provided to various Implementing Agencies regarding

Digital Elevation Model, use of GPS, Total Station, levelling and use of GIS & Remote
Sensing etc. So far, more 100 personnel of various Implementing Agencies have been
trained.

Water Efficient Thrissur 2

Thrissur municipal corporation came pipes, valves, hydrants, meters, and

into being on 2nd October 2000 with other network features, as well as
4) Creation of Geoidal Model a total area of 101.42 sq km. As per operational data such as pressure
provisional reports of Census India, zones, work routes, main breaks, and
To convert the ellipsoidal heights to orthometric heights a high precision geoidal
population of Thrissur in 2011 was inspection locations.
model of better than 10 cm. accuracy Figure 12: Planning of Geoidal Model for UP 315,957. With the intent to modernise
is being prepared under the NHP by The collected data when used on a GIS-
its public water supply system, Thrissur
the Survey of India. The model will based platform provided authorities
Municipal Corporation launched The
considerably reduce laborious levelling with the tools to visualize and assess
Water Efficiency Thrissur project on
work and will enable deducing faster where they stood in terms of water
March 2020, as a part of the AMRUT
orthometric DEM for the project. supply infrastructure, while giving
scheme. The primary objective of the
Subsequently SOI has prepared Geoid citizens an interactive platform to air
scheme was to provide drinking water
Model for West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, their grievances. The platform allowed
in a timely and efficient manner, and to
Haryana and that of Punjab, HP and Goa authorities to take charge of their
tap freshwater depletion sources and
are under preparation. Geoid Model for assets and respond to how their city
water emissions. To achieve this aim, the
the entire country will be completed by is growing. The platform also helped
first step for Thrissur Municipality was
the end of March 2023. reduce public water loss by bringing
to accurately identify and document
Non-Revenue Water below 15% while
the existing water supply network. For
ensuring uninterrupted water supply
this purpose, they undertook a massive
to the consumers in Thrissur city.
exercise to map asset data such as

66 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 67
 2
Water Quality Mapping of 27 Districts of Chhattisgarh 3

Thrissur Municipality deployed several • Setting up outage management Over exploitation of groundwater • Identifing the contaminated source i.e.,
technology-based solutions to reach its system via dashboards that provide resources leads to source depletion ground water-based sources and other
goals, including: a view of leaks and outages. They and compromises the water quality by water bodies.
also help trace and isolate leaks so contamination of groundwater with • Obtaining reliable and useful data of
• Developing a central repository of
that they do not disrupt the network, harmful metals and minerals like iron, water quality as a whole and to adopt
an authoritative network of water
or citizen routines. Dashboards arsenic, nitrate, salinity, and fluorides corrective measures to ensure safe
supply pipelines and consumer etc. Thus, there is a rising need of
provide an interactive visual platform supply of drinking water in rural areas.
networks using Ground Penetration Water Quality Mapping, its trend and
to analyse maintenance requests. • Training the villagers for future drinking
Radars, Drones, GPS and DGPS. the temporal changes that occur in
Map views, timelines and pie charts water quality monitoring.
concentration levels to assess the
• Installing smart water meters at communicate data to citizens in the GIS based services were used for
problem that has severe public health
critical network junctions to access simplest formats. database collection, base map
consequences.
pipeline flow that log any drop preparation, collection of water samples,
• Utilizing GIS predictive analytics The Public Health Engineering Department, unique codification of all sources,
in water level. These smart utility
for hydraulic modelling to estimate Chhattisgarh that has 26 district level, 1
applications use IoT and sensors to field data collection for wells, villages,
and ensure the feasibility of new state level and 14 sub-division level water
determine pipeline fractures quickly. and sources, water quality analysis at
user connections, based on existing quality check laboratories, undertake
Such deviations are updated on a real- laboratory with the samples gathered,
consumption loads, water pressure, water quality checks across the 4.37 lakh generation of attribute database for all
time basis into the central repository,
and other parameters. A geo- drinking water sources in the state. PHED parameters, GIS integration of database
alerting municipal authorities to the
tagged digital database ensures that undertook a water quality assessment and with field data, database analysis,
possibility of water loss. development of a GIS of water resources
maintenance and future updates to preparation of Water Quality Maps and
• Setting up customer redressal and the water network are proactive, and for all the districts to create a sustainable DPR, visualisation and reporting platform
billing systems that utilises hand- not piecemeal. solution. for decision making authorities, and
held equipment like POS machines to For the next two years, drinking water developing a data-driven mitigation
• Establishing a workforce
undertake on-the-spot billing and on- samples from all the sources of PHED were process.
management system that uses
site logging of repairs. A GIS system collected and tested for 15 parameters. With the application of GPS and
mobile applications to notify Unique numbering of the sources helped
that integrates flow-meter reading, GIS technology water quality maps
maintenance crews of maintenance to generate systematic and scientific
billing, and complaint redressals helps were generated for all districts. Other
work. A Water Service Assignment database for a GIS of water resources in
to identify Non-Revenue Water at the significant results included:
platform connects supervisors to the state. Analysed results were compared
neighbourhood scale. An online portal • Mapping of area for probable dental
their crew and enables them to as per BIS 10500: 2012, and a sanitation
registers consumer complaint and and skeletal fluorosis.
communicate field assignments in a survey of each drinking water source was
escalates pending complaints on a • Improvement in sanitation facilities in
prompt and effective manner. also carried out for the following purposes:
periodic basis to higher authorities. priority areas.
• Creating a Geospatial database of
• It could help authorities to cap highly
Pipe Water Supply Schemes by
contaminated drinking water sources.
mapping water resources including all
components of the scheme. • Specific parameter wise water quality
maps giving the overall situation of
• Determining the quality of water in its
drinking water quality in the state.
natural form.
• Improvement in health statistics.
• Assessing the impact of various
activities performed by human beings By completing this activity Chhattisgarh
up on the quality of water. state will prepare the entire water quality
• Deeply observing the water sources and database and make it available through
to check for the presence of specified the website of the Department of
hazardous or harmful substances in Drinking Water Supply.
water.

68 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 69
 Using Geospatial Technology to help Communities
Dam Safety and Monitoring 4 5
Gain Access to Water

Dams are critical infrastructure that • How can I measure the frequency of Mwendo is a small town in Eastern springs. This data was fed into a Storm
require large investments and have movement according to the amount province of the Eastern African country Water Management Model (SWMM)
multiple uses such as irrigation, power of movement? of Rwanda with a community of 3,000 model to determine the flow distribution
generation, flood moderation and supply people living at 2,400 meters above under a variety of conditions.
• Is the whole area moving?
of water for drinking and industrial sea level. To access water, residents
However, the team encountered some
purposes. Safety of dams is, thus, a • Can we integrate and correlate had to walk 30 to 45 minutes carrying
challenges when they began installing
particularly important aspect which readings from various sensors and/or 20-liter jerry cans everyday. To address
the system, as they realised that the
needs to be monitored on a continuous measurements? this problem, students of Biosystems
trench did not follow the path that had
basis for safeguarding national Engineering Department at Auburn
• How can data support me to archive been laid out because the trench that
investment and the benefits derived University through a project run by
information for legal issues or claims? was dug required water to flow uphill,
by the nation from these projects. Dam Engineers Without Borders, decided to
To answer these enquiries, a dam safety which would not have worked well.
safety is also critical to protect human rehabilitate a 10,000-liter water tank for
monitoring solution was implemented Using a GNSS equipment the team
and animal life. water storage and install a pipe directly
for measurement, detection, archiving, verified the path and using its real-time
The Government of India has been to the Mwendo Primary School.
analysis, and publication of results correction services they could verify
investing in Dam safety and has The first step for addressing the elevations at five high points along the
pertaining to stability of the dams. The
initiated the Dam Rehabilitation and problem was to map the precise pipeline, ensuring elevations were lower
collected data was integrated to check
Improvement Project (DRIP) that location of the proposed pipeline than the source point. The data were
the stability of the overall structure with
requires all dam owners to undertake including the length, breadth, and height also viewed on the map screen so that
careful analysis.
safety inspection of their dam sites and of the terrain. Given that the terrain was elevation data could be seen.
report them to the Government of India Using various sensors, like Geodetic difficult, following a traditional survey
sensors, Electronic Total Stations, Geo The adoption of GNSS based
on a regular basis. technique or using an auto-level would
technical sensors, Hydro Meteorological technology helped the team to provide
For the authorities at Ranganadi Hydro have been incredibly challenging, hence
sensors, Seismic sensors etc. and GIS easy access of continuous water supply
Project Power Ltd (RHEP), Kopili Power a GNSS based solution was employed.
based platform technologies a DAM to the residents of Mwendo. The data
Project Ltd (Khandom & Umrong Dams), This data was used to model the water
Safety Solution was implemented that captured during the project was also
Doyang Power Project Ltd. (DHEP) flow to ensure that the water would
helped the authorities to: used for assessment for future work,
and Baglihar Dam, Chanderkote, J & K be distributed as planned. Along the
like mapping potential locations for
Dams, some of the critical questions that • Predict the behaviour of the pipeline, areas of interest were also
pipelines.
plagued them were as follows: structures and detect when mapped, such as locations of potential
movements could be catastrophic to
• How much movement has occurred
the stability of the overall structure.
over a defined period?
• Monitor the dams on a continuous
• How fast has it accelerated?
real-time basis, enabling prompt
• What is the total movement since the notification of activities thereby
beginning? advancing understanding of landslide
behaviour, and effective engineering
• Can I get notified when something
and planning efforts.
changes or is unexpected?
• Understand the initiation and
• Can I get a notification to confirm if
movement of landslides through high-
the system is running smoothly?
quality data sets.

70 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 71
 West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor
Assessment of River Sedimentation 6 8
Irrigation (WBADMI) Project
At the Central Water Commission, accurate results. However, since 2019, The WBADMI Project is an innovative done using NDVI assessment on Google
researchers use geospatial data for a CWC researchers have been using integrated project functional in the Earth database. Application of these
variety of purposes. One of the studies thermal imageries, which has addressed entire state of West Bengal since technologies significantly improved the
included the assessment of reservoir most of their concerns. Since the year 2012. The project objective is to effectiveness, judicious use of human
sedimentation to assess the loss of staff at CWC were initially not trained increase the agriculture production of & financial resources, success rate of
storage capacity of the reservoirs. While in processing these imageries, they small & marginal farmers particularly tube wells, minimised risk and helped in
in 2018, the studies were conducted collaborated with IIRS, Dehradun for tribal & women by providing assured creating transparency among various
using only optical imageries that made the purpose and got their staff trained irrigation facility and support services stakeholders. Using various Geospatial
the study duration long and uncertain in thermal imagery data processing. on agriculture, horticulture, and data and technology, it has been possible
as cloud free images at the required For the year 2021, CWC has a target of fishery activities through Water Users to hand over more than 2000 minor
duration was not always available. As assessing 40 reservoirs in the country. Associations (WUAs). Using Web GIS irrigation schemes to Water Users
a result, studies that were expected to based technology the project has Associations (WUAs). There has been a
This is a unique example of
be completed in 6-8 months often took been able to leverage identification, change in cropping intensity from 122 to
technological advancement and
3-4 years to get finished and then again, selection, and approval of all surface & 192 percent in the project area. Almost 60
collaborative mechanism enhancing
the results were not standardised as subsurface Minor Irrigation schemes. percent of the targeted 75000 ha area
research and development in the field of
doing assessments based on data from Regular system for progress monitoring, has been brought under irrigation and the
water resources management.
different years did not always render evaluation, impact assessment and value of produce has reached up to 282
scheme performance monitoring are percent.

GIS Based Hydrological Modelling for locating Sites for 7

Small hydropower in Nagaland
Odisha Irrigation Information System
9
Hydropower plants are classified developing small hydropower plants (ODIIS) project
according to their energy production in the Indian state of Nagaland. To
capacity, expressed in megawatts. do so, it was important to assess the Odisha Irrigation Information System for decision making on policy, pricing,
Different countries have different size discharge at the identified sites on the (ODIIS) project started in the year 2017 procurement, etc., cadastral/village/
criteria to classify small hydro power streams and derive the flow duration and aims to ensure geospatial aided GP based crop monitoring, land
project capacity ranging from 10MW to curves. The concept was to develop agricultural information system for suitability for crop cultivation, irrigation
50 MW. In India, hydro power plants of a complete accounting system of Odisha that helps to develop a state infrastructure mapping etc. The project
25MW or below capacity are classified the river systems. As a first step, the data repository of the agricultural and has successfully built an application of
as small hydro. Small hydropower can natural drops available in the river irrigated land, irrigation development geospatial database of the irrigation
provide clean, renewable, and relatively systems were identified using satelite process, food security, insights about network, its asset and functioning status
inexpensive energy. They can be imagries and simulations were made the agricultural land, cultivated areas with accurate agricultural information
constructed in any location where there to assess the flow and availability of and cropping system. Other objectives which helps in understanding
is enough water flow and head to make flow in these locations throughout the include development of canal asset sustainable agricultural development
energy generation viable, even in rural or year through long term rainfall data. information system, multiple on-time process and food security.
undeveloped locations. The project identified 1500 drop sites, information to empower authorities
which helped the ministry to take data-
The Ministry of New and Renewable
based decisions on developing small
Energy engaged a consultancy in a
hydropower projects in the state.
project to identify suitable sites for

72 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India July 2021 | 73
 Mission Water Conservation
Government of Andhra Pradesh
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AGI India is deeply indebted to all the speakers and panelists of India Geospatial
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crores%20for%20a%20period,formulat- pledesign/LandAcquisition/minorirrigation- Leadership Summit 2021 who contributed immensely to this report by sharing their
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to%20Pradhan%20Mantri,to%20the%20 ence/bathymetric-surveys?qt-science_cen-
last%20year’s%20allocation ter_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects AGI India Governing Council
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Author: Megha Datta, Director – Market Development, AGI India
ties/digital-twins-in-water/
T: +91 9811049987 | E: [email protected]

76 | Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India

 ABOUT US

The Association of Geospatial Industries (AGI) is an industry-led non-

profit non-government professional organization that represents
the interests of geospatial industry in India and works towards the
advancement of geospatial technologies and their applications. AGI
serves as a forum for exchange of ideas, techniques, approaches, and
experiences by those who design, implement, and use geospatial
technology solutions. Our primary goal is to accelerate the adoption
of geospatial industry in India and to ensure that government, industry,
academia, and society as a whole understand both the needs of this
industry and its contribution to the nation’s development. Established
in 2009, the Association of Geospatial Industries is headquartered in
New Delhi, India.

To know more visit

www.agiindia.com
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Concept & Design
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