Varanasi: The ancient city of Kashi has taken a significant step towards technological modernity with the launch of the '3-D Urban Spatial Digital Twin' project. The government has prepared a digital replica of Kashi, which will prove extremely useful in emergencies.
Emergency Response Benefits
In the event of an incident like a fire, important information such as the nearest fire station, the closest route to the incident site, and the resources available at the fire station can be obtained by those in the control room. This will help in timely firefighting and rescue operations.
Project Details
The project was prepared at a cost of Rs 12.5 crore, utilizing aircraft for data collection. All departments related to the city's development will be able to use this technology. Preliminary training has been provided to the concerned departments. If information about an incident like a fire is received at the right time, more lives and property can be protected. 3D mapping of 160 square kilometers of Kashi has been completed, ensuring that every corner of the municipal corporation area is visible on the screen.
Advanced Technology
The '3-D Urban Spatial Digital Twin' project, with more than 100 thematic layers, includes facilities to deal with emergencies. Varanasi Smart City chief general manager Amarendra Tiwari said that through Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, the project will provide real-time information. If a fire breaks out in a crowded place or narrow lanes, information about the nearest fire station, suggestions for the closest route, and whether small or large fire department vehicles can access the site can be obtained in advance. Additionally, details about equipment and resources available at the fire station will be known beforehand, making fire control easier.
Training and Implementation
Smart City project manager Santosh Kumar Tripathi said that around 10 departments have received training on this project, covering its utility and method of use. The customized software developed by this project will help all departments and agencies engaged in development work to make plans and implement them on the ground. For this, 3D GIS mapping was done by light aircraft, and by backpack and vehicle from the lanes to the roads of Varanasi.
Fire Department Response
Anand Singh Rajput, chief fire officer of Varanasi, said, “This new technology will definitely help the fire department in emergency response. With this technology, fire vehicles can be brought to the incident site in less time and via the correct route, due to which we will be able to provide better firefighting services to the general public.”
