The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences began its survey on existing residential buildings and other constructions along the coastal area in and around Machilipatnam.
The survey, a pilot project being carried out in Tamil Nadu and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, was meant to develop a 3D mapping of the respective locations as these were observed most cyclone prone areas in South India. “The survey collects location, period of construction of a building and other population data in and around Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh. This is an exercise by the INCOIS to prepare an action plan for preparation of any disaster in coming years”, INCOIS Survey In-Charge S. Yamini Kumar told The Hindu .
Other locations along the coastline of the country would be covered in the survey in the next phase based on the results of the present survey, he added. “The preparation of 3D mapping of the respective areas will solely based on the existing geographical locations of the buildings, covered under the survey which began in mid September”, said Mr. Kumar.
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The Government of India has entitled the 3D mapping of coastal areas and preparation of cyclone mitigation measures in order to come out with a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan to mitigate disasters, particularly cyclones along the coast. However, the survey is also focussed on density of population.