(a) whether ISRO has the requisite technology in water resource management;
(b) if so, whether the Government of Karnataka has requested ISRO to provide imageries at a reasonable rate;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) the amount being charged at present for the above technology by ISRO; and
(e) the steps taken by Government to reduce the cost of imageries required by the Karnataka Government?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES,
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND
PENSIONS, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF
STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (SMT.VASUNDHARA RAJE)
(a) Yes, Sir. ISRO has the technology of remote sensing images, through the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS), which is used for generating maps/information on natural resources, including water resources. The maps/information so generated can support the management of water resources.
(b)&(c) Yes, Sir. Government of Karnataka has approached ISRO for procuring specially processed IRS images for the whole of Karnataka and they have requested for discounts.
(d)&(e) The specially processed IRS images are available to users at rates of Rs.32/- per sq.km. Considering that the Karnataka Government`s request is for the whole of Karnataka, ISRO has offered a special discount of 10% for the bulk order.