India seeks forest monitoring satellite for faster, more accurate data

Indian environmental officials are seeking their own satellite to accurately monitor the country’s forests, according a report from Livemint. Ministry of Environment and Forests officials say the satellite would track forest cover and expedite forest clearance procedures by providing accurate information.

The forest satellite could provide the ministry with data that will be processed in-house instead of by other agencies, cutting down on duplicate sets of data. The satellite would also provide the ministry with real-time data, rather than relying on biennial reports.

The forest satellite plan is a part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s endeavor to boost the country’s economy through space technology.

Top image: Hardwickia forests in Maharashtra, India. (Credit: S.K. Gawali)