Patna: Bihar achieved a milestone in disaster management on Saturday, with the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Ahmedabad. The agreement was finalized between the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA), the Bihar Mausam Seva Kendra (BMSK), and the Space Applications Centre (SAC), a key institution of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The MoU was signed by Md. Waris Khan, Secretary of BSDMA, Dr. C.N. Prabhu, Director of the BMSK, and Nilesh M. Desai, Director of SAC. The signing was witnessed via video conferencing by Dr. Uday Kant, Vice-Chairman of BSDMA, along with members P.N. Rai and Narendra Kumar Singh.
Advancing Disaster Preparedness in Bihar
The agreement aims to enhance Bihar’s capacity to monitor and predict disasters such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, cold waves, lightning, and even earthquakes. Satellite data will be used to provide early warnings and improve response strategies. Remote sensing technology will allow for the estimation of river depths and water flow, helping mitigate flood damage.
Additionally, the MoU includes provisions for research and education, enabling students from Bihar pursuing higher studies to collaborate with SAC and ISRO for academic and scientific exploration.
Speaking at the event, SAC Director Nilesh M. Desai highlighted the significance of remote sensing in disaster management and praised Bihar for its proactive approach. “Bihar has moved beyond its ‘BIMARU’ image and is now an example of progress under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar,” he said.
Preparing for Earthquake and Flood Risks
Dr. Uday Kant, Vice-Chairman of BSDMA, described the agreement as a “milestone” for Bihar. He emphasized that much of the state lies in high-risk earthquake zones and underlined the importance of AI-based prediction systems. Recent seismic activity, such as the January 9 earthquake in Tibet felt in Bihar, underscores the urgency of preparedness.
Kant also suggested that SAC assess the structural integrity of river embankments across Bihar to prevent breaches during floods. SAC agreed to explore this proposal. The Vice-Chairman also encouraged SAC and the BMSK to study ancient Indian literature for disaster prediction methodologies, integrating traditional knowledge with modern science.
This partnership is expected to significantly enhance disaster resilience in Bihar, safeguarding lives and infrastructure across the state.
