To fight Naxals,CRPF ropes in ISRO for GIS data of red zone

The force also distributed 13 high-end work-stations with the software in the areas.

With the CRPF seeking the help of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the fight against Naxals,the security personnel in Maoist-affected areas have been provided laptops featuring the GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping data of the regions in the red corridor.

According to officials,the CRPF purchased 65 GIS mobile work-stations from the Department of Science and Technology and distributed these to units based in Left Wing Extremist areas. The force also distributed 13 high-end work-stations with the software in the areas.

These work-stations contain the complete mapping of Chhattisgarh,Jharkhand and Orissa. We have further mapped seven districts in Madhya Pradesh and 14 districts in Bihar. In West Bengal,only East Midnapore has been mapped so far. The satellite imagery for the complete state of West Bengal and three worst-affected districts of Maharashtra Gadchiroli,Bhandara and Gondia is underway, said the CRPF spokesperson.

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The work-stations have turned out to be quite useful. It ensures familiarisation about the terrain, said CRPF Director General K Vijay Kumar. Earlier,the CRPF had sought ISROs help in tracking extremists in the hilly terrrain and dense forests.

Former Union Home Secretary G K Pillai said the process was meant to provide CRPF with ground-level observation and navigation facilities during counter-insurgency operations. The idea was to get the satellite maps of all extremist areas. Copies of these terrain maps are available with all company commanders now. It helps them track likely ambush sites and plot their route to avoid casualty. It also gives them an idea of the best sites to plan an ambush, he said.