Geo-tagging And River Rejuvenation In Chhattisgarh
Source: Indian Express
GS III: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation
Overview
- News in Brief
- Key Measures Adopted by Chhattisgarh
- Significance
- Major River Basins of Chhattisgarh
Why in the News?
The Chhattisgarh government has informed the High Court about a scientific, district-wise river rejuvenation programme to curb river pollution and restore degraded river ecosystems.
News in Brief
- The initiative includes geo-tagging of river origin points, digital mapping on the PM Gati Shakti platform, and scientific monitoring of water quality, groundwater levels, and river discharge.
- District-wise River Revival Plans are being prepared with technical support from IIT Roorkee, NIT Raipur, and CSVTU Bhilai, along with government departments and local bodies.
- The programme focuses on catchment treatment, desiltation, riverbank protection, afforestation, and pollution control to ensure long-term river conservation and water security.
Key Measures Adopted by Chhattisgarh
- Digital Mapping & Geo-tagging– The precise origin points of major rivers (like the Hasdeo, Shivnath, and Kharun) have been geographically mapped and integrated onto the PM Gati Shakti Portal for robust spatial tracking, and mandated district-specific revival plans.
- Expert Institution Involvement– The state has engaged major institutes, including IIT Roorkee, NIT Raipur, and CSVTU (Bhilai), to draft scientifically sustainable river revival plans and technical plans.
- Scientific Monitoring– The roadmap requires continuous, localized tracking of groundwater levels, river discharge, and water quality to mitigate industrial and untreated sewage pollution.
- Catchment Treatment & Protection– Revival plans mandate catchment area treatment, riverbank protection, desiltation, and extensive afforestation to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.
- Religious & Eco-Tourism Development– River origins, such as the Hasdeo, are slated for eco-sensitive developments including sustainable homestays and protected green zones.
- Participatory River Rejuvenation – Community participation through workshops and stakeholder consultations.
Significance
- Improves river water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
- Strengthens groundwater recharge and water security.
- Supports sustainable agriculture and livelihoods.
- Reduces pollution from industrial and domestic sources.
- Promotes technology-driven environmental governance.
Major River Basins of Chhattisgarh
- Mahanadi River Basin
- Often called the lifeline of the state, the river originates in the Sihawa Hills (Dhamtari district) and flows into the Bay of Bengal.
- Its major tributaries include the Shivnath (originating from the Panabaras Hill Range in Rajnandgaon), Hasdeo (originating from the Mainpat Plateau and known as the lifeline of Korba), and Pairi rivers.
- Godavari River Basin
- Draining southern Chhattisgarh, it includes the Indravati River, which originates in the Dandakaranya Range (Kalahandi Plateau) and is popularly known as the “Ganga of Bastar.”
- The Shabari River is another important river in this basin.
- Ganga Catchment (Son River System)
- Covering northern Chhattisgarh, this catchment comprises rivers such as the Kanhar, Rihand, and Banas, which ultimately drain into the Son River, a major tributary of the Ganga.
Geo-tagging
- Geo-tagging is the process of attaching geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) to a location, asset or photograph using GPS.
- It helps in monitoring, planning and digital mapping of natural resources.
PM Gati Shakti
- It was launched in 2021.
- A National Master Plan for integrated infrastructure planning using GIS-based digital mapping.
- It improves coordination among ministries and states for infrastructure development.
Conclusion
Chhattisgarh’s scientific river restoration initiative highlights a shift towards technology-based, ecosystem-centric river management. If effectively implemented with strong institutional coordination and community participation, it can serve as a model for sustainable river conservation across India.
Key Takeaways
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
With reference to Geo-tagging, consider the following statements:
- It records the geographical location of an asset using GPS coordinates.
- It is useful for monitoring natural resources and infrastructure projects.
- Geo-tagging can only be used for urban planning.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Mains Practice Question
Q. “Scientific monitoring and technology-driven river rejuvenation are essential for achieving sustainable water resource management in India.” Discuss. (250 words)
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