RAS question
Gujarat's 'Lake and Air Watch' initiative launched by GUDM uses which technologies for environmental monitoring?
Correct answer: (B) Satellite tracking and real-time sensors.
Gujarat's Lake and Air Watch initiative uses satellite tracking and real-time sensors for environmental monitoring.
Explanation
Gujarat's Lake and Air Watch initiative is a GUDM-led digital platform for monitoring lakes and air quality across 17 municipal corporations and 152 municipal areas. The answer is satellite tracking and real-time sensors because the lake component uses satellite technology to assess lake area, track pollution indicators and detect algae, while the air component sets up monitoring points that provide real-time AQI information. This combination matters because the initiative is meant to link scattered monitoring systems and trigger timely action when lake pollution, water-quality decline or rising AQI is detected. The stated budget is Rs 10 crore, and the official rationale is environmental conservation in rapidly urbanising cities.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Drone surveillance and blockchain are not the stated technologies; the lake component is based on satellite technology, and the AQI component gives real-time information through monitoring points.
- (C) Manual inspections and lab testing miss the core design of the initiative, which is an integrated digital and real-time platform rather than a conventional offline inspection system.
- (D) AI chatbots and mobile apps are not mentioned in the initiative; its monitoring logic rests on satellite-based lake assessment and real-time AQI data.
Concept
This tests the use of remote sensing and real-time environmental monitoring in urban governance. RAS asks such questions because state-level environment initiatives often combine ecology, technology and municipal administration.