Ggn could soon be fully covered with satellite imaging

Gurugram: If all goes according to plan, Gurugram may soon achieve the distinction of being the first city in the country to be covered under satellite imaging.

To achieve this objective, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is collaborating with the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG).

Officials of both bodies have begun talks with various companies and are planning to set up a dedicated centre, where the data will be evaluated.

As the city grapples with the menace of illegal constructions, the initial objective of satellite imaging will be to help officials get comprehensive information of such structures, so that action can be taken against the owner.

There are also plans to use this technology to collecting data on illegal colonies, so that steps can be taken to regularise them.

At a time when Gurugram is faced with the crisis of falling ground water reserves, officials hope that satellite imaging will help them locate areas with low water table.

"We believe that adopting new technologies will enable us to solve various challenges faced by Gurugram residents. In this regard, satellite imaging could prove to be beneficial. Initially, this technology will be used to examine illegal structures that have come up in the city. Subsequently, we will also use this technology to solving other issues," said Sudhir Chauhan, senior town planner, MCG.

Meanwhile, in order to turn Gurugram into a Smart City, GMDA is planning to set up an integrated command and control centre at its headquarters.

The project, expected to cost more than Rs 100 crore, will help officials inspect civic services, such as street lighting, functioning of CCTV cameras, traffic management and water supply.

There are plans to install 55,000 LED streetlights, some of which have already been installed in areas of Golf Course road and Cyber Greens.

However, residents have often complained that many of the newly-installed lights are non-functional.

According to officials, the upcoming control centre will enable them rectify these defects in a time-bound manner.

There are also plans to make traffic lights in the city automated, to aid better management of traffic.