Centre for Sustainability

This project aims to use terrain related data, derived from satellite stereo images that results in Digital Elevation Model (DEM), to generate important geospatial parameters for planning and development of a typical peri-urban area. The main focus of such a study is to conserve soil and water in an area bound by the watershed characteristics. Various input parameters, such as, base layers (roads, rails, village boundaries etc), land use, soil, geology, geomorphology, structures, contours, Slopes/ Gradients, Drains, surface waterbodies, Watershed boundaries etc., are used on a GIS Platform for achieving objectives of conservation. One of the other objectives is to rejuvenate major waterbodies and lakes using hydrological modelling methods and scientific characterization of any given catchment / watershed area. The intention is also to map and explore possible rejuvenation of traditional water-harvesting systems, such as, kalyanees and kattes in a given area. To demonstrate the tools and technologies proposed under the project, Hoskote watershed is taken as the study area, which also represents Peri-urban area in the North-eastern parts of Bengaluru. The initiative also aims to foster community level engagement, develop policy recommendations, and create a replicable peri-urban water management model for regions around Bengaluru. A few outcomes and conceptual framework of the project are highlighted here.

A Multi-layer modelling approach under Geospatial modelling platform is being developed to derive action plans that can be implemented as part of the project.

As part of the above information system, the center is also carrying out geo tagging of all major water bodies/lakes and highlighting basic water quality parameters. Satellite images of Hoskote watershed is analyzed using four different water quality indices to highlight parameters like turbidity, chlorophyll, suspended sediments etc. While a time series database of a decade is created for water quality, a robust monitoring system is also designed for implementation. It is envisaged to monitor multi seasonal water quality parameters on a bi-monthly basis in the Hoskote watershed and surroundings on a pilot mode to highlight water quality dynamics. On further examination of the results the same methodology shall be extended to the lakes and water bodies of entire Bangaluru.

Anthropogenic activities across many cities are rapidly increasing and causing serious threat to environmental issues across the country. Some of the major cities in India are experiencing very critical Air Quality conditions which are to be addressed on priority. To address the problem of Air Quality and also to find a solution, it is most essential that the source pollutants are first isolated. Most of the Indian cities are experiencing serious situation due to bad air quality and there are no systematic approach for data collection and monitoring towards finding solutions. To address these and also the challenges of predictive modelling of air pollution, necessary action is taken by the Centre. The proposed AQMS plans to address the issue of proper data acquisition and mathematical modelling to enable scientific analysis and assessment of pollution levels across the city. Bengaluru is taken up as the pilot city for design, development and deployment of such a system to provide simple and meaningful data/ information to the common citizen on the pollution parameters that are accurate and reliable. The project envisages to deploy necessary air pollution measuring devices at various locations in and around Bengaluru. Each of these devices shall regularly transmit data on various pollution parameters, including some weather parameters, to an identified cloud computing system. The data sets from each of the locations are received and processed on the Cloud using appropriate mathematical models. The processed data is further used in a comprehensive analysis to provide pollution information to the citizens across Bengaluru city. The system also envisages to provide predictions/ forecasts on pollution parameters and provide regular perspectives on different types of emissions including the possible source. Such an information system should help the Government in better understanding of the air pollution problem and work towards sustainable solution.