Jaipur: The department of information technology and communication is in the process of acquiring high-resolution satellite imagery from various satellite-data providers, including international agencies through entities empanelled with ISRO. A bid has been launched to secure the latest imagery, and officials are optimistic about receiving data as early as Jan 2026.Once processed, the satellite imagery will be accessible via Rajdharaa, a dedicated repository for such data, enabling different govt departments to utilise it for their specific needs. Currently, the state holds satellite imagery from 2014-15, and the new data will facilitate a comparison of changes over time, enhancing the accuracy of assessing alterations in land use and physical features.“For the water resources department, the imagery can be used to map river channels and adjoining areas, identify changes in the course of the river, and flag potential encroachments. The satellite data can also be compared with earlier imagery to establish when and where changes have taken place,” a govt official said.The updated satellite imagery will provide a fresh overview of extensive areas, allowing officials to compare it against existing govt records to pinpoint locations where changes may have occurred, subsequently dispatching teams for on-site verification. Additionally, other departments will benefit from this data; for instance, agriculture officials can analyse land and crops, while the mining department can locate suitable areas for mining. These findings will still require ground verification and adherence to govt regulations.
