State to survey lakes with drones, rovers
Bengaluru: To eliminate the need for repeated surveys of lakes and improve conservation efforts, the state survey and settlement department (SSLR) has switched to high-tech digital mapping, using drones and rovers.
This large-scale effort, covering thousands of waterbodies, is expected to modernise how the state tracks its lakes and prevent encroachments.
SSLR commissioner J Manjunath said. "We will also mark buffer zones of the lakes during the survey. This digital survey will be helpful to preserve, conserve, and protect the lakes," he added.
To manage the data generated from these surveys, the department has developed dedicated software named Web GiS, which will serve as a centralised database for various govt agencies.
Each surveyed lake's file will include its exact GPS coordinates, survey numbers, boundaries, extent, ownership (govt department or agency), encroachment details if any, and survey sketches.
In the past two years alone, digital surveys were completed for 8,433 lakes using drones and rovers. These details have already been uploaded on Web GiS. Officials estimate only 6,210 lakes remain to be digitally mapped. This final leg of the digital survey is expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2025.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Ibiraci (consulte o preço)
Alarmes
Undo
Overall, the department has identified 41,849 lakes across Karnataka. Traditional survey methods using chains and compasses had earlier been used to survey 27,206 lakes. The department adopted the digital approach to complete the survey of the remaining 14,643 lakes, of which 8,433 have been digitally mapped.
Initially, the Web GiS data will be restricted to govt agencies, but officials say the data will later be made public, enhancing transparency and access.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Big Tech has AI, but Indian MSMEs need something more—Desi AI
Many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country feel that the existing AI solutions are not tailored to their specific needs, and they require products that are simple, affordable, and customised for different segments of the MSME sector. Experts and industry stakeholders emphasise that this differs from the needs of larger firms, highlighting the necessity of developing sector-specific and needs-based AI solutions for MSMEs. In May 2025, NITI Aayog released a report titled 'Enhancing Competitiveness of MSMEs in India', which underscored the challenges faced by MSMEs in leveraging technology and innovation to drive growth. The report identifies key areas of concern, including limited access to formal credit, barriers to technology adoption, and low awareness of government schemes. According to the NITI Aayog report, 59% of India's MSMEs face 'financial limitations that hinder their ability to invest in AI, which include the high costs of AI tools, computer infrastructure, and training.' The report also said that 91% of India's MSMEs felt that 'AI should be democratically available and affordable'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo Existing AI solutions often don't align with specific operational needs of MSMEs, says Anoop G Prabhu, CTO and Co-founder of Vehant Technologies. MSMEs span multiple sectors, each with unique challenges and workflows, requiring tailored solutions, says Prabhu. 'A MSME might need customer flow analytics, while a manufacturing unit may prioritise workers' safety compliance and process monitoring. Similarly, with other AI solutions, logistics players may focus on PPE detection, intrusion, fire & smoke detection, and cargo scanning through x-ray baggage scanner systems. These customised and industry-fit AI solutions will deliver effective results across diverse and specialised use cases,' Prabhu explains. Live Events Experts assert that the Indian MSMEs should prioritise 'Desi AI'—AI solutions made in India for India. If Indian tech companies don't focus on customisation and cost-effectiveness, a large segment of MSMEs will likely remain underserved, missing out on the opportunity for transformation, they add. Similarly, Manoj Dhanda, Founder and CTO of Utho Cloud, agrees that MSMEs' way of working is very different from big companies. Most AI models cater to large enterprises with extensive resources, but small businesses have different needs, says Dhanda, adding that they require AI solutions that are accessible, affordable, easy to implement, and tailored to their specific use cases. 'That's why customisation becomes important not in the AI model itself but in how it's used. For example, say they want to make a chatbot. Now bots work in general, but someone still needs to train or configure them according to the specific business flow, like what messages to send, how to respond, and what kind of customer data to pick,' adds Dhanda. Sushant Rabra, Partner and Head of Digital Strategy at KPMG in India, emphasises that tailored AI solutions, rather than generic imports, are key to unlocking productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable growth for MSMEs. This approach can drive the next wave of innovation in the MSME sector, he adds. 'The priority must be on scalable, plug-and-play solutions that minimise complexity while maximising business value. Delivering measurable impact through accessible, purpose-built AI will define the next chapter of India's enterprise transformation,' adds Rabra. Kanishk Maheshwari, Co-founder & Managing Director, Primus Partners, agrees that each specific MSME sector requires a different set of AI tools to maximise its productivity and efficiency. 'A textile MSME would prefer tools that would aid in inventory prediction, while a food processing unit would probably benefit more from tools that help in shelf-life tracking. In such a scenario, having custom-built tools to cater to unique issues faced by different MSMEs would help maximise the benefit of AI for them,' adds Maheshwari. Scaling up Desi AI solutions Experts say that to effectively scale AI in the MSME sector, solutions should be locally developed to address specific needs, transparently priced for better cost management and supported by reliable on-ground service for ongoing assistance. Prabhu says that the AI solutions can be scaled for growing MSMEs by focusing on modularity, affordability, and ease of integration. 'We believe the key lies in building AI products that are not only powerful but also flexible and adaptable to different stages of a business's growth. Our smart city solutions are near-edge compatible, cost-efficient, cloud operable, and hybrid model and support cloud-based architecture,' adds Prabhu. Dhanda highlights that the biggest need for AI adoption is cloud infrastructure, the backbone of AI. This foundational infrastructure is crucial for supporting AI solutions, says he. 'In India, we have over 138 operational data centres that can handle thousands of GPU workloads; we can easily understand how much data and how many AI models we can host. So, we have a large data centre infrastructure, and any AI workload can be scaled very easily, whether it's for MSMEs, corporates, or any other community. Nowadays, with the kind of infrastructure we have, you don't need to invest in capex,' adds Dhanda. Experts say that scaling AI adoption among MSMEs requires a three-pronged approach: co-creation of solutions with MSMEs to ensure alignment with their needs; public-private partnerships to build robust support infrastructure; and affordability through government-backed incentives.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Digital drive: Telangana Waqf Board to train 15,000 muthawalis for handling property documents online on UMEED Portal
HYDERABAD: With the Centre rolling out portal Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) to streamline waqf properties across the country, Telangana Waqf Board has decided to train 15,000 muthawalis, who are custodians and caretakers of waqf properties in the state. The muthawalis will have to upload documents related to waqf properties and also register themselves on the portal. The waqf board has decided to train them as majority of the muthawalis do not even have basic knowledge of computers. The muthawalis have to upload details of about 33,000 properties and 77,000 acres of land in the state. "There is a three-tier system for entry of waqf properties. Once the muthawali (maker) enters the details, waqf board officials (inspectors or verifiers) check the details, whether all the relevant information is provided or not. The chief executive officer (CEO) (approver)will then approve the details uploaded by the muthawalis," Telangana Waqf Board CEO Md Asadullah told TOI. The problem is a majority of the muthawalis are aged above 50 and no well versed with computers. In such a scenario, the board would permit their immediate family members to help them by taking an undertaking. The officials said 'master trainers' were trained by the representatives of the Union minority affairs ministry. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The master trainers would coach the district-level waqf inspectors and auditors. The inspectors would, in turn, teach muthawalis in the third phase, which is likely to begin next month. Officials said the digital platform UMEED has real-time uploading facilities and ensures transparency and accountability for the waqf properties. "It has features such as geo-tagging of all waqf properties, an online grievance redressal system for better responsiveness, transparent leasing and usage tracking, integration with GIS mapping and other e-Governance tools, and public access to verified records and reports," a senior official said. Officials hope the new digital platform would end illegal leasing and encroachment of waqf properties in the state.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
BEL shares in focus after securing Rs 585-crore defence orders; June tally nears Rs 3,500 crore
Shares of Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) will be in focus on Monday after the state-owned defence electronics major announced fresh orders worth Rs 585 crore, adding to a string of recent wins that have pushed its total order inflow for June to nearly Rs 3,500 crore. Also Read: 11 Nifty mid & smallcap stocks that can rally 40-90% over the next 12 months by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your IQ Is 140 If You Can Answer 10 Of These Questions Correctly IQ International Undo In a stock exchange filing on Friday (June 20), BEL said the new orders include fire control systems, missile sighting systems, communication equipment, jammers, critical spares, and associated services. This follows BEL's strategic partnership with Tata Electronics, announced on June 6. The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue opportunities in semiconductors and advanced electronics, including chip design, OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test), and fabrication. The move aligns with India's push for self-reliance in high-tech manufacturing. Earlier, on June 4, BEL had announced Rs 537 crore worth of new contracts for advanced communication systems, shipborne equipment, jammers, simulators, and other defence electronics. Live Events That was followed by a major Rs 2,323 crore order from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Garden Reach Shipbuilders for base and depot spares to support missile systems on Indian Navy vessels. With these wins, BEL's total order inflow for June now stands at nearly Rs 3,500 crore, reinforcing its key role in India's defence and aerospace ecosystem. BEL share price target According to Trendlyne, the average analyst target for BEL is Rs 405, suggesting a slight downside of about 1% from current levels. Of the 23 analysts tracking the stock, the consensus rating remains 'Buy'. On the technical front, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 72.8—indicating overbought territory, which could signal a potential pullback. However, the stock continues to trade above its 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day simple moving averages (SMAs), reflecting strong bullish momentum. BEL shares have gained around 40% year-to-date and delivered an impressive return of 225% over the past two years. The company's current market capitalisation stands at approximately Rs 1.45 lakh crore. Also Read: US strikes on Iran may rattle markets: Will Nifty, Sensex react to escalating geopolitical risk? ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)
