DST Secretary Launches Operation Dronagiri to Revolutionize Geospatial Technology Applications

The entire implementation process will be driven by the Geospatial Innovation Cell within the Department of Science and Technology.

On November 13, 2024, Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), launched Operation Dronagiri, a pilot project under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, at the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) in New Delhi. The initiative aims to demonstrate the transformative potential of geospatial technologies in enhancing citizens' quality of life and facilitating ease of doing business in India.

Key Highlights of Operation Dronagiri and the Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI)

In his keynote address, Professor Karandikar highlighted the significance of Operation Dronagiri, noting that it is a vital part of the DST's broader efforts to liberalize geospatial data, develop infrastructure, and build skill sets in geospatial technology. The project will initially be implemented in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra as part of its first phase. This pilot stage will focus on integrating geospatial data and technology across three key sectors: Agriculture, Livelihoods, Logistics, and Transport.

Key objectives of the pilot include:

Sectoral Focus: Pilot projects will demonstrate real-world applications of geospatial data in agriculture, logistics, and livelihoods.

Public-Private Collaboration: The initiative will involve partnerships with various government departments, industry players, corporates, and startups to foster a collaborative ecosystem.

Nationwide Rollout: Following the successful demonstration, the project aims for nationwide deployment, leveraging public-private partnership (PPP) models similar to the successful Unified Payments Interface (UPI) model.

A crucial part of the project is the unveiling of the Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI). This platform enables seamless sharing, access, and analysis of geospatial data for urban planning, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and more. Built with advanced data exchange protocols and privacy-preserving features, the GDI aims to enhance collaboration across sectors, streamline data processing, and facilitate data-driven decision-making for public good.

Professor Karandikar emphasized the transformative power of GDI, which, like UPI, is designed to be a game-changer for geospatial data access. The platform will empower organizations, both public and private, to make informed decisions that positively impact society and foster innovation.

Impact on Geospatial Ecosystem and Role of Private Sector

Dr. Srikant Sastri, Chairman of the Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC), emphasized that Operation Dronagiri is a critical step in realizing India’s vision of becoming a global leader in geospatial technology. He stressed the importance of private sector and startup involvement in making geospatial data accessible, valuable, and actionable for addressing real-world challenges.

Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, Surveyor General of India, discussed the broader National Geospatial Policy 2022, highlighting the ongoing efforts by the DST to implement the policy and position India as a geospatial leader.

Prof. K N Satyanarayana, Director of IIT Tirupati, discussed the role of Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) in accelerating geospatial innovation, emphasizing their contribution to pushing the boundaries of geospatial technologies and solutions.

Geospatial Innovation Grand Challenge and Support for Startups

A Geospatial Innovation Grand Challenge was also announced during the event, aimed at fostering startup innovation in the geospatial sector. Selected startups will be supported in developing Proofs of Concept (POCs) that address specific problems within the agriculture, logistics, and transport sectors. This initiative will be executed through Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs) at leading institutions such as IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Ropar. The challenge will provide startups with access to crucial resources, mentorship, and geospatial datasets to support their growth and help them contribute meaningfully to India’s geospatial ecosystem.

Oversight and Implementation

The activities under Operation Dronagiri will be overseen by the Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation at IIT Tirupati, which will work in collaboration with the Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs) at various institutions. The entire implementation process will be driven by the Geospatial Innovation Cell within the Department of Science and Technology.

This pilot project promises to be a cornerstone in India's geospatial revolution, with the potential to drive economic growth, improve governance, and advance sustainable development across the country through the power of innovative, data-driven solutions.