India: The Disaster Management Studies Centre, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi, India, will impart skills in satellite data reading, interpretation of the GIS for areas and terrains similar to the officers of paramilitary forces like CRPF stationed in Naxal-affected states.
Dr Amarjeet Kaur, Director, Department for Disaster Management Studies, said, “The officers –drawn from CRPF, ITBP, BSF and other such paramilitary forces– will be trained to use and understand the data and images captured through satellite and GIS technology. This will help them have better understanding of difficult terrains including the Naxal areas.”
The five-day course, starting June 28 will have a batch of about 30 officers– major chunk from the CRPF –attending various classes divided into equal aspects of practical and theory.
“The satellite data can be used for better success in operations and area familiarity by these officers who are deployed in thick jungles, mountains and other inhospitable terrains including Naxal-affected areas. We superimpose images from a representative area to practical conditions to impart the training to these officers,” Kaur said.
The CRPF, BSF and ITBP are the three central para-military forces present in the Maoist combat zone currently and the knowledge of topography and geographical features has been a challenge for the troops of these forces in order to launch operations and also thwart attacks and ambushes against them. According to Kaur, the ‘Greyhounds’ force of Andhra Pradesh among others, such special courses make the men on the field adept to use the technology for their benefit.
Paramilitary officers say that if they can have the aid of satellite imagery, especially in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa, they can plan and execute their operations efficiently.
Source: Hindustan Times
