ISRO-enabled control room for anti-Naxal operations

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI) A state-of-the-art controlroom with giant TV screens that will help track the offensiveof security forces in Naxal strongholds with satelliteimaging and GPS has been activated at the CRPF headquartershere.

Official sources said the control room will enable topofficers to track the movement of personnel in thick junglesand hilly terrains across states where anti-Naxal operationsare on.

A giant screen comprising 16 LCD screens has been putup, which at the push of a button will show the exactpositioning of troops in the area. The preloaded satelliteimages will give a fair idea of the patrol party''s locationand nearby areas.

The project was kick-started few years back with theforce approaching the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) for satellite imaging of Naxal areas. The NationalTechnical Research Organisation (NTRO) is also part of theproject.

"Lack of knowledge of the topography is the biggesthurdle before securitymen against its fight against the Naxalswho are well-versed with the terrain," a source said.

The images outlines major details of the terrainincluding water bodies among others. And with the help ofGlobal Positioning System (GPS), each step of the personnelcan be tracked.

"This will be very helpful in carrying out offensiveoperations and also to undertake any rescue missions if any.

Even if personnel take a wrong route, they can be notified," asource said.

The agencies are in the process of giving finishingtouches to the project which will provide a more comprehensiveimaging.

Top Home Ministry officials were given a presentationon the project recently.