Why in news?
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has directed that all detailed project reports for highway projects include analyses using the National Database for Emergency Management. This decision highlights the importance of integrating disaster‑preparedness tools into infrastructure planning.
Background
NDEM is a geospatial portal developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation under the guidance of the National Disaster Management Authority and is maintained by the National Remote Sensing Centre. Operational since 2013, it serves as a national repository of multi‑scale satellite imagery, topographic layers and hazard‑related information. The portal was created to provide decision support during natural disasters and has been used by central and state authorities for preparedness, relief and recovery.
Key features
- Comprehensive data: NDEM offers multi‑temporal satellite data and thematic maps that identify areas vulnerable to floods, landslides, earthquakes and other natural hazards.
- Decision‑support tools: The platform provides analytical modules to monitor rainfall, river levels, dam status and land use. These tools help officials anticipate risks and plan evacuation or relief measures.
- Nationwide coverage: It is the only uniform disaster database covering all Indian states and union territories. This uniformity ensures that different agencies can share and compare information quickly.
- User accessibility: NDEM is accessible to disaster management authorities, National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Forces, as well as infrastructure ministries. The portal supports mobile viewing for field officers.
Benefits
- Better preparedness: Planners can identify disaster‑prone zones along proposed highways or pipelines and design resilient structures accordingly.
- Rapid response: Real‑time information on floods, landslides or storms helps emergency teams dispatch rescue and relief units more efficiently.
- Damage assessment: Post‑disaster imagery allows authorities to estimate losses and prioritise rehabilitation work.
Source: New Indian Express