NIDM Celebrates National Space Day, Focuses on AI and GIS for Disaster Management

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) is delving into the potential of GIS, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to enhance disaster risk assessment and crop insurance methodologies, according to a government statement released Saturday.

Working under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the institute celebrated the inaugural National Space Day with a workshop on ‘Space Technology in Disaster Management’ on Friday. The event featured comprehensive presentations on the applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and AI in disaster management, the detailed statement.

GIS, a computer system for capturing and storing data linked to Earth’s surface designed positions, stood out as a significant focus. The event saw participation from Vivek Shrivastava, Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defense and Home Guards, and Rajendra Ratnoo, Executive Director of NIDM, among others. Panel discussions highlighted the government-private sector collaboration’s crucial role in driving technological advancements for disaster resilience.

Key speakers, including KHV Durga Rao from the Department of Space (NRSC), Chandrashekhar S from LBSNAA, and Surya Parkash from NIDM, attended the workshop, which drew over 300 participants. Shrivastava praised the zero-casualty during achievement Cyclone Biparjoy, citing it as a success model for risk reduction. Ratnoo stressed the importance of learning from past incidents to improve future disaster preparedness.

The workshop also featured technical sessions on integrating GIS, AI, and machine learning in disaster risk analysis and crop insurance processes. A significant discussion, led by NDMA Advisor Safi Ahsan Rizvi, addressed enhancing data collection and using AI/ML tools for more precise crop yield predictions and insurance assessments. In the closing session, NDMA member Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain advocated for the disciplined use of space technology in disaster management.

(With inputs from agencies.)