Latest news with #GeographicInformationSystems
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Greener side of Bastar as forest cover increases
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, in recent years, has been making headlines for Maoist-related campaigns involving security forces. At the same time, the extensive area has also witnessed the Chhattisgarh forest department's diligent engagement in achieving a remarkable feat of improving the forest cover density, reinforcing the region's reputation as a thriving green landscape. The India State of Forest Report (ISFR), published by the Forest Survey of India in Dehradun, reflects the results of these consistent efforts, including the utilisation of a satellite-based sensor with a spatial resolution of 23.5 metres. The report highlighted a significant enhancement in forest cover across multiple regions of the Bastar zone—an area larger than the state of Kerala and boasting several tourist attractions and sightseeing spots. With the acknowledged commitment to sustainable forest management and associated conservation initiatives in recent years, the forest department has undertaken various measures to enhance forest cover, thereby strengthening the green footprint. The progress in forest cover density is attributed to multiple factors, including continuous monitoring by the forest department, an effective soil and water conservation programme, removal of invasive weed species and community-led afforestation initiatives, as well as the deep-rooted environmental ethos of Bastar's tribal communities. 'The inspired vision of the Chhattisgarh government gave a boost to the state forest department's proactive and scientific approach that yielded impressive conservation results. The ISFR 2023 data reaffirms the state's commitment to sustainable forest where strategic interventions and active community participation has yielded a major boost on augmenting the forest cover', V Sreenivasa Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, told this newspaper. Several areas in Bastar have shown an upward transition in forest classification. Notable improvements are seen in Jagdalpur Circle — covering forest divisions of Bastar, Bijapur, Sukma and Dantewada and Kanker Circle that includes Keshkal, Bhanupratapur, south Kondagaon and Narayanpur forest divisions', a senior officer elucidated quoting the ISFR report. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis confirmed that approximately 152 sq km of forest area have transitioned from Moderate Dense Forest to Very Dense Forest. Additionally, 93 sq km of land have improved from non-forest to open forest, while 156 sq km have progressed from open forest to moderate dense forest.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Green job demand in India sees 20–30% annual growth; Tier II/III cities to host up to 40% roles
New Delhi: India's green economy is expected to generate 7.29 million jobs by FY28 and about 35 million jobs by 2047, according to industry estimates. The projections come as the country moves toward a green economy valued at USD 1 trillion by 2030 and USD 15 trillion by 2070. The latest employment outlook for the green sector exceeds earlier projections made in 2024, which had estimated a 15–20 per cent year-on-year increase in demand for green jobs over the next 10 years. Companies are modifying their workforce strategies by prioritising skill-based hiring and practical green competencies over traditional qualifications. They are also forming partnerships with academic institutions to equip the youth with sustainability-related skills and investing in inclusive hiring and re-skilling initiatives. Major job creation is expected in renewable energy, waste management, electric vehicles, sustainable textiles, and green construction sectors. The growth is expected across urban and peri-urban regions. While cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi continue to attract aspirants for green jobs, Tier II and III cities including Jaipur, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, and Chandigarh are emerging as important centres. These cities are projected to account for 35–40 per cent of the 7.29 million jobs by FY28. Job roles in the green sector are expanding beyond traditional segments. Demand for roles such as ESG analysts, green tech experts, and climate data analysts has increased compared to last year and is projected to grow by 20–30 per cent annually. Hybrid roles that combine sustainability expertise with digital proficiency are expected to see a 4–6 times rise in demand. ESG analyst roles are projected to grow by 13–20 times. Green technology is also being influenced by innovations in precision farming, smart irrigation, and AI-based climate modelling. New roles are being created in sustainable agriculture and clean technology through blockchain traceability systems. Professionals with expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), remote monitoring systems, and lifecycle assessment tools are in demand. The average salary across profiles in the green sector has increased by 20.3 per cent over the past one to two years. Salaries in Tier I cities can be up to 50 per cent higher than in Tier II cities, driven by the cost of living differences. Currently, women account for 11–12 per cent of green jobs in India. This is attributed to unequal access to technical education, workplace safety concerns, and cultural barriers. Organisations are adopting inclusive hiring practices and supporting women-focused skill development programmes. These initiatives are expected to improve gender parity by 12–15 per cent over the next 5–6 years. Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services, said, 'In the past 4–5 years, we've seen green jobs evolve from niche roles to mainstream opportunities across renewable energy, EVs, and sustainable infrastructure. What's changed pragmatically is the skillsets. Today's green workforce needs both sustainability know-how and digital fluency, and the increased integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, GIS, and data-driven tools are laying the foundation for progressive, new-age green careers.'>
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CT rolls out new large-scale solar siting tool. It's aimed at making electricity more affordable
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has launched a new online tool for large-scale solar project siting in the state. The map tool, called the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool, uses Geographic Information Systems mapping to display data in an easy-access format. It is free to the public and does not require specialized GIS software, DEEP officials said. The goal of the mapping tool is to allow for a more transparent and efficient siting and permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects, while at the same time protecting Connecticut's environmental and natural resources, according to DEEP. Developed in partnership with the University of Connecticut's Center for Land Use Education and Research, the mapping tool allows for the display of data in a compelling, easy-to-access format using GIS technology. 'Large-scale renewable energy projects are an important component of our strategy to meet our energy supply needs, make electricity more affordable for residents and continue progress toward the state's target of a 100% zero carbon electric supply by 2040,' DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes said. Officials said that because Connecticut is the nation's fourth most densely populated state, it is important to ensure solar development is balanced with a wide variety of community needs that are also priorities for the state. Connecticut also has among the highest energy costs in the nation. The tool is being rolled out as part of DEEP's plan to highlight strategies Connecticut can pursue to achieve an affordable, reliable and clean electric supply over the next 10 years, according to officials. One element of the plan, mandated in Public Act 24-31, is for DEEP to produce an online map to assist with the 'potential siting of solar projects in the state' and further the goal of increasing the state's supply of zero-carbon energy. 'This new tool will inform the siting process and also provide greater transparency to the public,' Dykes said. UConn CLEAR is hosting a webinar with DEEP officials on June 18, at 1 p.m. to demonstrate how to use the new mapping tool. Anyone looking to get more information can register for the webinar at Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Ghaziabad: ‘Drafting errors' disposed of in Master Plan 2031
The Ghaziabad development authority (GDA) on Friday disposed of public objections to several 'drafting errors' in the draft Master Plan 2031, officials said, adding that the final draft will be put up before the GDA board and sent to the Uttar Pradesh government for final approval. In April, the authority had invited public objections over some drafting errors that had crept into the draft master plan. The officials said that they received only two objections in this regard. 'On the day of disposal of objections, one applicant did not arrive, while the second objection was found not related to the Master Plan. So, the disposal process was closed, and the amended plan will now be put up before GDA board in the next upcoming meeting. Then it will be sent to the state government for final approval. As of now, no further changes are needed in the finalised draft plan,' said Rudresh Shukla, media coordinator of GDA. A master plan is a broad layout of a city, clearly laying out different areas according to land use such as for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. 'The drafting errors crept in when the draft plan generated in a software was superimposed over the GIS (Geographic Information Systems)-based images. It led to certain errors. So, on directions of the state-level committee, the authority invited public objections,' Shukla added. The draft Master Plan 2031 will replace the 2021 plan prepared in 2004-05. The 2031 plan is an integrated Master Plan for Ghaziabad city, Loni, and Modinagar/Muradnagar. In the current Master Plan 2021, the GDA jurisdiction area has 15,554 hectares of land for development. Under the draft Master Plan 2031, the authority has proposed 60,282.12 hectares as its development area.
Time Business News
11-05-2025
- Climate
- Time Business News
From Sandbags to Satellites: Florida's Updated Flood Response Plans for Fire Departments
Florida faces rising flood risks due to a mix of climate shifts and rapid urban development. Storms hit harder and drain more slowly as impervious surfaces expand across the state. Fire departments must now prepare for wider floodplains, longer response times, and complex urban rescue environments. Past hurricane seasons have taught emergency teams the need for adaptable, tech-enabled strategies. As weather patterns grow more extreme, agencies are rethinking old approaches to meet these escalating challenges. Sandbags have long served as a go-to defense, but they come with serious limitations during large-scale events. Firefighters must often deploy them manually, which takes time and diverts staff from rescue operations. Once water levels rise above bag lines, the barrier fails entirely. Sandbags also require significant post-storm cleanup and cannot prevent groundwater infiltration. This outdated method leaves critical infrastructure like hospitals and fire stations vulnerable. Counties across Florida now invest in long-term infrastructure to combat frequent flooding. Brevard County's Center Street Pump Station exemplifies this shift with its built-in tidal valves and automated systems. These projects involve local fire departments early in the planning phase to ensure emergency access routes remain secure. Engineers increasingly design with climate forecasts and projected sea-level rise in mind. Inter-agency planning ensures infrastructure projects align with fire service capabilities and future needs. Modern flood response tools go beyond traditional radio communications and paper maps. Fire departments now train with satellite phones that maintain contact when cell towers fail. Drone teams capture aerial views in real-time, helping command centers direct swift-water rescues and hazard avoidance. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow responders to track flood progression and evacuation routes. Artificial intelligence tools even help predict water surge levels hours before they arrive. These innovations allow faster, safer decisions in complex, high-risk environments. Florida supports tech-forward flood training through platforms like SERT TRAC, which catalog courses and certifications. Fire academies now include satellite system use, drone operation, and GIS data analysis in their curriculum. Simulated flooding environments test response skills under pressure, similar to those taught in advanced courses like the ICS 300 Class Florida. These programs teach fire crews how to navigate submerged roads and work with real-time intelligence. Continuous learning ensures responders stay equipped for evolving threats and new tools. CERT programs empower residents with vital flood response skills that complement professional emergency teams. Volunteers now train in flood barrier setup, swift-water awareness, and emergency medical basics. During high water events, they support evacuation logistics, check on vulnerable neighbors, and distribute supplies. Fire departments often rely on CERT members to extend their reach in overwhelmed neighborhoods. In areas with frequent events or high foot traffic, responders benefit from pairing CERT support with Crowd Manager Training programs to ensure orderly evacuations. Strong, reliable communication underpins all effective flood response strategies. Florida fire departments now adopt redundant systems, including satellite, digital radio, and portable mesh networks. These tools allow field crews to stay in contact even when power or internet drops out. Dispatch centers coordinate mutual aid requests and deploy assets where most needed. Effective communication helps ensure responders prioritize life-saving operations without confusion. Ongoing testing and staff training reduce the risk of failure when every second counts. Florida's fire departments regularly conduct multi-agency drills to prepare for large-scale flood scenarios. These exercises often simulate joint efforts with law enforcement, EMS, utilities, and volunteer groups. For example, Hurricane Ian highlighted the need for unified command and interoperable tools. After-action reviews from major disasters guide protocol updates and equipment acquisitions. These drills also foster trust between agencies that must rely on one another in crisis. Federal and state-level regulations increasingly shape how departments prepare for flood emergencies. Grant eligibility now often ties to compliance with updated disaster response plans. Some counties require flood-specific modules in fire officer certifications. Updated zoning rules sometimes mandate that new firehouses sit above projected flood zones. Fire departments must stay informed and adaptable to meet both legal and operational standards. Proactive planning ensures they secure needed funding and remain ready to serve. Departments now include satellite training in both classroom and field settings. Teams learn to operate gear under pressure and in poor weather. CERT teams help fill gaps in response by managing shelters, assisting evacuations, and supporting supply efforts. Their presence boosts local capacity. Sandbags still appear in some emergency protocols but aren't mandated across all jurisdictions. Many areas now prioritize permanent or high-tech options. Regional emergency management offices oversee coordination using unified command systems. This ensures resource sharing and aligned operations statewide. Pre-season readiness starts with communication testing across all platforms, from dispatch to satellite. Every firehouse should pre-stage critical gear, including dry suits, inflatable rafts, and traffic barriers. Departments benefit greatly from cross-training exercises with CERT and local public works teams. This builds familiarity with real-world flood conditions and improves response time. Regular briefings with emergency managers keep crews informed and connected to larger plans. Flood response will keep evolving as weather patterns shift and technologies advance. Florida fire departments plan to integrate more predictive analytics and automation tools. Training programs will likely require ongoing certification updates to reflect new realities. Infrastructure investment will remain a cornerstone of long-term resilience. Community involvement and inter-agency trust will continue to be vital. These combined efforts ensure Florida remains ready for whatever storms lie ahead. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
