Ganga Rejuvenation: Aerial Mapping and AI Monitoring

Syllabus: Conservation and Pollution

Ministry of Jal Shakti

Why in news?

The 17th Empowered Task Force (ETF) meeting on Ganga reviewed new tech initiatives: GIS-based Drain Dashboard (UP) and CCTV/AI monitoring of STPs.

⚛️Static Concepts

National Mission for Clean GangaLiDAR TechnologyBioremediation

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Drain Dashboard: Uses LiDAR and aerial surveys to map natural and man-made drains in UP.
STP Monitoring: Introduction of CCTV-based real-time monitoring with AI feature extraction complementing existing OCEMS (online sensors).
PRAYAG vs New Dashboard: PRAYAG is the existing monitoring center; this new dashboard focuses specifically on visual drainage mapping.
Aquifer Mapping: Emphasis on mapping Palaeo-Channels for water recharge.

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Examiner's Trap: OCEMS monitors PARAMETERS (pH, BOD) via sensors; the new initiative uses CAMERAS and AI for physical/visual surveillance.

15 projects completed in current year

Admin cap 9% (relevant to other context, ignore here)

UP completed 6 projects

GS-3: Pollution Control; Application of Technology in Environment.

Evidence-Based Planning: Moving from ad-hoc measures to LiDAR-backed accurate drainage mapping allows for targeted interventions.
Accountability: AI-based CCTV monitoring prevents STPs from being turned off or bypassed (a common compliance issue).

Source