Delhi is leveraging cutting-edge drone technology to fortify its urban green infrastructure against encroachment and ensure meticulous environmental stewardship. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has commenced a pilot programme utilising drone-based photogrammetry to survey four key green spaces within the Hauz Khas area of South Delhi. This innovative approach forms a cornerstone of a larger strategic vision to digitise and comprehensively document the capital’s green zones, thereby enhancing monitoring capabilities and establishing unequivocal land demarcation. The overarching aim is to safeguard these ecologically vital areas from unauthorised occupation and preserve them for future generations.
The DDA, responsible for the extensive network of green areas and parks across Delhi, views this pilot project as a significant advancement in urban green space management. Officials confirm that the initiative is designed to generate highly detailed 3D images of these green zones. Such data will be instrumental in maintaining up-to-date records of green cover, accurately mapping land usage, and clearly defining boundaries to prevent any form of misuse or unauthorised development. The need for this technological intervention is underscored by the historical challenge of records being lost or becoming ambiguous over time, leading to persistent encroachment issues. Once uploaded to a cloud-based system, these digital records will facilitate easy updates and accessibility, creating a robust, unalterable ledger of Delhi’s natural assets.
The four green sites selected for this pioneering survey include the District Park opposite RK Puram, the iconic Rose Garden, the MP Green Area, and the Picnic Hut zone, all situated in the environmentally rich Hauz Khas region. The chosen agency for this intricate task will deploy state-of-the-art drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) to conduct these precise surveys. Photogrammetry, the technique employed, harnesses photographic images to generate comprehensive spatial data, transforming them into three-dimensional models that offer invaluable insights into physical objects and environmental features.
The responsibilities of the selected agency extend to conducting detailed aerial surveys, generating geo-referenced orthophotos, and creating sophisticated digital terrain models. Crucially, all collected data will be seamlessly integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms, enabling advanced spatial analysis and mapping. The deliverables will encompass detailed maps and comprehensive reports, all meticulously prepared using the drone imagery and photogrammetric techniques. Strict adherence to safety and privacy protocols will be maintained throughout the survey, with all Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) operating under the necessary permissions from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and in coordination with relevant airspace authorities.
The success of this pilot project holds immense potential for broader application across Delhi’s vast green areas, potentially establishing a standardised model for urban ecological monitoring throughout the city. This strategic move represents a significant leap forward in leveraging technology for more efficient and transparent green space management in urban environments. The tender for this project specifically invites qualified firms with proven expertise in drone-based geospatial surveying, ensuring the highest standards of execution. The contract will encompass pre-survey reconnaissance, the establishment of precise ground control points using DGPS, and sophisticated post-processing of imagery to derive actionable insights, promising a future where Delhi’s green legacy is meticulously preserved and enhanced.
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