MANIT Bhopal Starts App-Based Project To Map Heatwave & Flood Risk Areas; 4-Day Survey Begins May 13

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) Bhopal has started a unique project using GIS technology, to identify the areas in Bhopal that are most affected by extreme heat and flooding.

This will help and protect the vulnerable communities from climate change. With full participation from the local community

MANIT's Department of Architecture and Planning has recently launched a special research project to understand how climate change is creating problems for the poor and vulnerable groups in Bhopal.

For the first time, a digital survey will be carried out using a Geographic Information System (GIS) app to map different parts of the city that are more prone to heatwaves and waterlogging.

In the first phase a four day workshop will be conducted from May 13th to may 16th focusing on areas that are affected. These include area such as crowded neighbourhoods, slum areas, and places where people have little or no access to cooling facilities. In the second phase of the project, which will be held in September, researchers will study places in Bhopal that face waterlogging, flooding, or overflowing drains during the monsoon season.

App Based Process

One of the key highlights of this project is that it is app based that will help local people to join in the data collection process. Through the app, experts, local leaders and citizens can share their experiences.

This feedback will help the authorities to determine which areas are more vulnerable according climate and what kind of solutions is needed for the particular area.

Dr Surabhi ,who is leading this project along with Dr Premjit Das Gupta and Dr Arshi Parashar, said that this effort is based on bottom up approach Instead of top down planning, and we want to create solutions that truly reflect the needs and challenges faced by the common people, she said.

The final phase will take place in November where the results of the survey will be presented to government bodies, which includes the municipal corporation and urban planners. The findings will be used to design heat action plans , improve thev flood control and guide urban development policies.