What is Operation Dronagiri?

Operation Dronagiri is a pilot project launched under the National Geospatial Policy 2022 to demonstrate the applications of geospatial technology for improving the quality of life and easing business operations.

What are the main objectives of Operation Dronagiri?

The main objectives are to utilize geospatial technologies to improve the quality of life for citizens, enhance ease of business, and demonstrate geospatial innovations in various sectors.

Which sectors will benefit from Operation Dronagiri?

The initial phase focuses on agriculture, livelihoods, and logistics.

What is the Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI)?

GDI is a platform that facilitates seamless access, sharing, and analysis of geospatial data, enabling data-driven decisions and supporting urban planning, disaster management, and more.

How is GDI similar to UPI?

GDI is compared to UPI because it transforms data accessibility and sharing, much like UPI revolutionized financial inclusion.

What are the benefits of GDI?

GDI provides efficient data processing, privacy-preserving features, and collaboration tools, helping in areas like infrastructure monitoring and environmental protection.

What is the role of the private sector in Operation Dronagiri?

The private sector and startups play a crucial role in making geospatial data accessible and impactful, and their involvement is vital for a nationwide rollout.

How will Operation Dronagiri support startups?

A Grand Challenge will be held to select startups for developing Proofs of Concept (POCs). Startups will receive mentorship, resources, and access to geospatial datasets.

Who will manage Operation Dronagiri?

It will be managed by IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF), with support from Geospatial Innovation Accelerators at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Ropar.

What are Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs)?

GIAs are institutions that will act as operational arms for the project, facilitating research and development in geospatial technologies.

What is the Geospatial Innovation Cell?

It is a unit within the Department of Science and Technology responsible for overseeing the entire implementation of Operation Dronagiri.

What kind of partnerships will Operation Dronagiri involve?

The project will partner with government departments, industry players, corporate sectors, and startups to ensure comprehensive implementation.

What impact does Operation Dronagiri aim to have?

It aims to transform geospatial technology use in India, delivering real-world socioeconomic benefits and promoting data-driven governance.

What are the data privacy features of GDI?

GDI includes privacy-preserving features, ensuring secure and ethical data sharing and usage.

How does GDI improve collaboration?

GDI enables efficient data sharing and processing, fostering better coordination in urban planning, disaster management, and environmental protection.

What role do Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) play?

TIHs, such as those at IIT Tirupati, accelerate geospatial innovation and research, helping develop impactful solutions.

Who is Professor Abhay Karandikar?

Professor Abhay Karandikar is the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology and the person who launched Operation Dronagiri.

What is the Grand Challenge mentioned in Operation Dronagiri?

The Grand Challenge is an initiative to select and support startups for developing solutions in designated sectors using geospatial data and technology.

How will the Grand Challenge benefit startups?

Startups will gain mentorship, resources, and access to valuable geospatial datasets to develop and refine their solutions.

What are Proofs of Concept (POCs) in this context?

POCs are prototypes developed by startups to demonstrate the potential of their solutions using geospatial technology for specific issues.

What sectors are being targeted in the first phase?

The first phase targets agriculture, livelihoods, and logistics sectors for geospatial technology integration.

What kind of impact is Operation Dronagiri expected to have nationwide?

A nationwide rollout under the PPP model is expected to revolutionize geospatial data accessibility and drive innovation across sectors.

Launch of Operation Dronagiri: Transforming Geospatial Technology for National Advancement

Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), officially launched Operation Dronagiri at the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. This pilot initiative, launched on November 13, 2024, under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, aims to harness geospatial technologies and innovations to improve citizen well-being and facilitate business operations.

During his keynote speech, Professor Karandikar emphasized DST’s dedication to modernizing geospatial data policies and building robust infrastructure, skills, and standards to support the policy’s implementation. He announced that the initial phase of Operation Dronagiri will focus on pilot projects across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, targeting agriculture, livelihoods, and logistics. Collaborations with various government entities, industry partners, corporate players, and startups will be essential for laying the groundwork for a broader national rollout.

Professor Karandikar highlighted the role of the newly introduced Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), which was also unveiled at the event. GDI, akin to UPI’s transformative impact on financial inclusion, is designed to facilitate efficient access, sharing, and analysis of spatial data, driving innovation in urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, and more. Featuring sophisticated data exchange protocols and privacy measures, GDI will enable data-driven decision-making and promote responsible data use for public welfare.

GDI’s advanced tools will facilitate seamless collaboration and rapid data processing among stakeholders, enhancing infrastructure monitoring, disaster response, and environmental conservation efforts. A nationwide rollout of GDI is planned under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with active industry participation to drive geospatial sector advancements.

Dr. Srikant Sastri, Chairman of the Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee, praised Operation Dronagiri as a significant milestone in implementing the National Geospatial Policy. He underscored the importance of collaboration with private sector players and startups in leveraging geospatial data for practical socioeconomic benefits. Dr. Sastri emphasized the mission’s objective to turn data into impactful solutions.

Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, Surveyor General of India, also discussed DST’s concerted efforts in executing the National Geospatial Policy 2022. Meanwhile, Professor K N Satyanarayana, Director of IIT Tirupati, outlined the role of Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) in boosting geospatial research and development. Additionally, a Grand Challenge was announced to support startups in developing Proofs of Concept (POCs) for sector-specific solutions. Through this initiative, startups will gain mentorship, resources, and access to geospatial data, enabling them to contribute significantly to India’s geospatial ecosystem.

Operation Dronagiri will be managed by IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF), with Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs) at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Ropar serving as the operational arms. The entire program will be coordinated by the Geospatial Innovation Cell at the Department of Science and Technology.

Responses