Govt uses LISS satellite data to do census of water-bodies

Srinagar, Oct 10: The Jammu and Kashmir government has carried out a census of lakes and other water bodies across the union territory using high resolution Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor (LISS) III satellite data by remote sensing and GIS.
During the process, a total of 2815 water bodies have been identified. A unique identification numbering (UIN) has been assigned to every identified water body existing in the UT, according to the revised action plan document, for restoration of Water Bodies of Jammu and Kashmir.
The coding scheme adopted for assigning of UIN is “AABBCCDDDDFFFF” where in AA – UT code (The Erstwhile State Code has been used) BB – District Code, CC – Tehsil Code, DDDDDD – SOI Code, FFFF – WB ID.
“The UIN number is used to find the exact location of the water body so that there is no duplicity. It gives the exact geographical position of a water body,” said Dr Tasneem Keng, who works as a scientist in the Department of Ecology Environment and Remote Sensing, J&K.
The priority status has been accorded for all the water bodies as per ground situation and status with respect to different factors and urgency required for its restoration.
During the process, exercise carried out by the Department of Environment, Ecology and Remote Sensing J&K, a total of 2815 lakes and water bodies have been identified in Jammu and Kashmir divisions respectively. Out of which a total of 222 water bodies have been identified as Priority-I which requires immediate attention for restoration.
“In some of these water bodies restoration works are being funded under various schemes viz CSS, CAMPA, State Plan and other special budgetary allocations like PMDP etc. However, 209 Priority-I Lakes and Ponds require budgetary support for restoration,” reads the comprehensive plan.
“There was a need to create first-hand information on water bodies, sort of a directory we can say, ” said Hafizullah Mir, Regional Director Kashmir, Department of Ecology Environment and Remote Sensing.
Keeping in view the magnitude of the exercise, the census of all the water bodies was not an easy task, and it required a great deal of time and resources.
According to the revised action plan, the information available with different departments viz. Forest, Wildlife, Urban Local Bodies, Dy. Commissioners, Rural Development Department was requested to be provided giving geo-references, present status with reference to its pollution load.
Accordingly, the district magistrates have been asked to review the status of water bodies and subsequently do the identification, prioritization and Action Plan for their restoration.