How does ISRO support India’s rural development using remote sensing?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: (C) Mapping of soil quality, water bodies, and crop areas.
Explanation —
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plays a significant role in India's rural development through its 'remote sensing' satellites (such as the IRS series and RISAT). Data acquired from space is utilized for the management of natural resources. Under this initiative, platforms like the 'Bhuvan' portal are available, which provide accurate mapping of soil quality, groundwater levels, the status of ponds and reservoirs, and crop health in rural areas.
This technology is also employed for monitoring and geo-tagging works undertaken under schemes such as the 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana' (PMKSY) and 'MGNREGA' (e.g., the construction of check dams). This assists policymakers in identifying areas with a greater need for fertilizers or irrigation, thereby strengthening the rural economy.
Additional Points —
Regarding Options (A) and (B): Although ISRO can assist in wildlife monitoring, it is not a 'primary' objective of rural development. Power grids are controlled not from space, but at the ground level by Load Dispatch Centers.
Regarding Option (D): The Election Commission manages elections independently; ISRO plays no direct technical role in this process.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers —
Question: What is ISRO's 'Bhuvan' portal?
Answer: It is a geo-portal that facilitates the three-dimensional (3D) mapping and analysis of India.
Question: In which field is the 'Satwayz' model utilized?
Answer: In monitoring air quality using satellite data.