OPERATION DRONAGIRI – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Operation Dronagiri – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

NEWS: Operation Dronagiri launched along with GDI marking a milestone in the National Geospatial Policy

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Overview of the Launch

  • Event: Launch of Operation Dronagiri on 13 November 2024.
  • Location: Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi, New Delhi.
  • Launch By: Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST).
  • Objective: Demonstrate the potential applications of geospatial technologies to improve citizens' quality of life and ease of doing business.

Goals and Scope of Operation Dronagiri

  • Part of National Geospatial Policy 2022: Aimed at using geospatial data and technology for socio-economic transformation.
  • Focus Sectors:

·         Agriculture, Livelihoods, Logistics and Transport

  • Implementation Regions in Phase 1:

·         Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra

Implementation and Collaboration

  • Phase 1 Objectives:

·         Run pilot projects in selected states.

·         Demonstrate the benefits of geospatial data integration.

·         Partners: Government departments, Industry players, Corporate entities, Startups

Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI)

  • Launch of GDI: Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface unveiled alongside Operation Dronagiri.
  • Purpose: Enable seamless access, sharing, and analysis of geospatial data.
  • Comparison to UPI: Aims to bring a similar transformation in data accessibility as UPI did in financial inclusion.
  • Applications:

·         Urban planning

·         Environmental monitoring

·         Disaster management

  • Key Features:

·         Advanced data exchange protocols.

·         Privacy-preserving tools.

·         Efficient processing, analysis, and sharing capabilities.

Nationwide Rollout Plan

  • Expansion Vision: Nationwide deployment envisioned under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
  • Focus on Industry Participation: Encourages involvement from the private sector to support geospatial transformation.

Support for Innovation and Startups

  • Grand Challenge Announcement: Initiative to select startups for developing Proofs of Concept (POCs) addressing challenges in selected sectors.
  • Innovation Support:

·         Mentorship, Access to geospatial datasets, Resources for early and growth-stage startups

  • Facilitating Institutes: Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs) at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Ropar.

Oversight and Operational Management

  • Main Coordinating Body: IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF).
  • Operational Arms: GIAs at leading academic institutions to implement and monitor the project.
  • Driving Force: Geospatial Innovation Cell, Department of Science and Technology.

Key Takeaways

  • Strategic Focus: Operation Dronagiri is set to revolutionize geospatial technology usage in agriculture, livelihoods, logistics, and transport.
  • Technological Backbone: The GDI is crucial for data sharing and accessibility, acting as the core of the initiative.
  • Private Sector and Innovation: Strong emphasis on collaboration with the private sector and fostering startups to drive innovation and achieve practical outcomes.
  • National Ambition: The initiative aligns with India's goal to become a global leader in geospatial technology, fostering data-driven decision-making and socio-economic progress.