BIT Mesra, NRSC Hyderabad, Jharkhand Forest Department join hands to launch Forest Phenology Monitoring Program

Mail News Service

Ranchi, June 25: The Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra, the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO Hyderabad, and the Jharkhand Forest Department signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a Phenocam-based Forest Phenology Monitoring Program in Jharkhand. This initiative aimed to monitor seasonal changes in forest ecosystems using a combination of ground-based Phenocam observations and satellite remote sensing data.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at BIT Mesra and commenced with a welcome address by Dr. V. S. Rathore, Head of the Department of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics. He emphasized the importance of academic-government partnerships in advancing research in environmental monitoring. Dr. Niraj Priyadarshi, Scientist at NRSC Kolkata, elaborated on how the integration of Phenocam sensors and satellite data would enable continuous, accurate tracking of forest phenology across Jharkhand. Dr. Girish Pujar from ISRO Headquarters, Bangalore, also highlighted the broader significance of the project for ecological research and monitoring.

The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice Chancellor of BIT Mesra, who stressed the value of research-driven collaborations to address pressing environmental challenges. Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director of NRSC Hyderabad, underlined the importance of phenological monitoring in understanding how vegetation responded to climate variability. Paritosh Upadhyay, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Government of Jharkhand, spoke about the growing role of scientific technology in forest management, while Dr. S. K. Srivastava, Chief General Manager, Regional Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, shared insights into the practical applications of satellite data in forest planning.

The MoU was formally exchanged by Shri Suraj Singh, District Forest Officer (DFO) Hazaribagh, NRSC scientists, and Dr. Sudeep Das, Registrar of BIT Mesra. The event witnessed participation from eminent personalities including Dr. C. Jeganathan, Professor, Department of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics and current Vice Chancellor of Sarla Birla University; Shri Ravi Ranjan, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Jharkhand; Shri S. R. Natesh, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Jharkhand; Deans and faculty members from BIT, and members of the forest department.

Phenocams are stationary digital cameras installed at fixed forest locations to continuously capture images of vegetation. These images help monitor changes such as leaf emergence, flowering, and senescence—key indicators of plant responses to seasonal and climatic variations. When used in conjunction with satellite data, Phenocams provide a high-resolution, ground-level perspective that enhances satellite-based forest monitoring, supports data validation, and helps detect early signs of environmental stress.

This pioneering initiative will generate critical datasets for tracking forest phenology, supporting climate change research, monitoring carbon levels, and strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts in Jharkhand. The collaboration represents a significant step forward in applying space and remote sensing technologies for ecological sustainability. (w/gsd)