CRSDM

Centre of Remote Sensing and Disaster Management

About the Centre

Our Arena & Consortium

The Centre functions as a dynamic hub bridging advanced geospatial research with real-world impact. Operating as an Arena, it drives innovation in AI and remote sensing to develop predictive tools for disaster management and environmental monitoring. As a Consortium, it unites interdisciplinary expertise and partners from policymakers to local communities to ensure solutions are holistic and actionable. By translating data into resilience, CRSDM addresses critical challenges in sustainability, health, and equity, delivering measurable contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Global Networks

It is actively engaging a robust global network, partnering with leading universities, research bodies and other National and International agencies worldwide. Through cross-continental collaborations, joint research, and shared initiatives in climate resilience and sustainable development, CRSDM integrates international expertise and best practices into its work. This global connectivity enhances its research impact, ensures alignment with worldwide sustainability goals, and amplifies its role in addressing universal environmental and disaster challenges.

Core Team

Dr. Dillip Kumar Bera, Dean, SCE
Dr. Rakesh Ranjan Thakur, Asst. Professor, FIC
Dr. Kshyanaprava Samal, Associate Professor
Dr. Jyoti Prakash Padhi, Associate Professor
Dr. Ajay Pradhan, Vice President

Advisory Board (Tentative)

Sasikant Sharma, Retd. Scientist, SAC/ISRO
Sarvesh Palria, Retd. Scientist, SAC/ISRO
Ajay Pradhan, Vice President, KIIT DU
Sukant Jena, CEO, Inovaantage
Bojan Durin, University of North, Croatia
Ahmad, Mansoura University, Egypt
Upaka, Atlantic University, Ireland

MOUs (Tentative)

University of North, Croatia
Atlantic Technological University, Ireland
Indian Space Academy, Delhi
SANGAM University, Rajasthan
MoU with SAC/ISRO, Ahmedabad
IIRS/ISRO, Dehradun
INCOIS, MOES, GOI, Hyderabad
NDIM/NDMA, GOI
University of Allahabad
TOM-TOM, Pune
ESRI, India
Geo-spatial Mapping & Analytics
WIPRO
Genesys International
Map My India
RMSI etc.

Apart from the above, exploring other Institutions/Universities and Companies for the Internship and placement of students.

Awards

Awarded as Best Story Map Competition organized by ESRI India on “Revealing the ancient Engineering Marvel: Waterways Behind Black Pagoda Construction”. It can be accessed through:

https://storymaps2025.esri.in/portal/apps/storymaps/stories/ba6857ceef8a42ca8de9e0fbced8425b

We Offer

Consultancy
Policy Advocacy
Internship Programme: Offer for Master students in RS & GIS domain
Training & Capacity Building: Offer training programme in Remote Sensing, GIS and Disaster management
Courses (Short term/long term):
- Sc. in Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics
- D. in Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics
- Short term courses (3/6 months, Customized courses on demand etc.)

Objectives

Train specialists in remote sensing and disaster management.
Strengthen the country’s systems for analyzing and preparing for disaster risks.
Reduce disaster impacts by guiding policy and investments with risk data.
Provide swift rescue and fair relief to those affected.
Support the government with effective planning and rapid response to lessen disaster severity.

Goals-both short-term and long-term

Academic Programs: Launched a Master of Technology/Master of Science in Geoinformatics.
Professional Training: Delivering capacity-building programs for government officials, industry executives, and professionals.
Custom Corporate Solutions:Offering tailored certificate courses, workshops, and summer schools upon request.
Strategic Partnerships:Building collaborations with international, national, and local partners for academic and consultancy services

Labs and Facilities

A dedicated lab is equipped with geospatial and image processing software, including ArcMap and ERDAS Imagine, as well as surveying equipment such as GPS units and total stations.

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Labs and Facilities

A dedicated lab is equipped with geospatial and image processing software, including ArcMap and ERDAS Imagine, as well as surveying equipment such as GPS units and total stations.

Emerging Frontiers

Core Geospatial Sciences & Methodologies

Remote Sensing & GIS
Geospatial Data Acquisition & Analysis
Digital Photogrammetry & Cartography
Microwave Remote Sensing

Advanced Technologies & Platforms

Geo-ICT (Geo-Information & Communication Technology)
Web-GIS and Location-Based Services
AI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning for Geospatial Applications

Field Data Collection & Surveying

Navigational Services & Surveying (ETS, GPS, DGPS, UAV, LIDAR)
Drone Applications

Projects

Applied Projects:

Impacts of climate change and anthropogenic factors on biodiversity of Bhitarkanika (Ramsar site) ecosystem of Odisha, India.
Climate Change, Natural Disaster and Resilient Livelihood of Coastal Communities of Odisha.
Restoration, conservation and beautification of heritage water tanks associated with classical temples of Old Bhubaneswar.
Resilient heritage landscapes: Reconstructing environmental memory and modelling climate risk around the Konark Sun temple.
Natural disaster and socio-ecological resilience of livelihoods among rural communities in coastal Odisha

Ongoing Projects:

Climate Smart Villages for Climate Resilient Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods in coast of Odisha.

Projects Experience by Team Members of Centre

Disaster Management through RS & Geo-spatial technologies, World Bank.
Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP)-ESA and EIA study
Mangrove community zonation and biophysical characterization for coast of Odisha
National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA-II)
Desertification Mapping of Odisha
Web-GIS Coastal Aquaculture Mapping of Odisha
Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)
Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions Spatially (EPRIS)
PHOENIX
Watershed management and analysis
Pulpwood Vegetation Mapping of Odisha
Dial-100
Land Degradation Mapping and Analysis
High Resolution Erosion/Accretion Mapping for the Coast of India
Space Based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SISDP)

Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP)
Monitoring of Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
Pulpwood Vegetation Mapping of Odisha
Land Degradation Mapping and Analysis
Assessment of Erosion Prone Areas of Odisha State
Inventory of Road-Infrastructure for Odisha
Forest Degradation Mapping-Odisha
Mining Plans and Sustainable management
Geomorphological mapping of Odisha
Block GIS
BLUISH
Tsunami Preparedness
Rainfall Analysis for Odisha
Forest Diversion
Surveying and Cadastral mapping and so on.

Published IPs-selective and high-quality entries

Renewable Energy Resources in Distributed Power Network-Indian Patent in April 2025.
Renewable Energy Based Sustainable Transportation System- Indian Patent in July 2025.

Research Areas

Remote Sensing
Geo-spatial science
Image Processing
Photogrammetry
Surveying
Coastal applications
Project formulation & implementation
Disaster Management
Natural Resource Management
Biodiversity and conservation
Coastal ecosystem
Environmental Impact Assessment
Watershed Management
Sustainable Development Studies
Coastal Vulnerability
Coastal Morphometry
Wetland studies
AI-ML-DL based Geo-spatial applications etc.

Publication

Sl. No	Title	Journal / Book / Patent	Publication House	IF	Scopus / SCE	Month / Year
1	Renewable energy resources in distributed power networks	Indian Innovation Patent	Publication of Patent Office	NA	NA	April, 2025
2	Renewable Energy Based Sustainable Transportation System	Indian Patent (Design)	Publication of Patent Office	NA	NA	July, 2025

Sl. No	Title	Journal / Book / Patent	Publication House	IF	Scopus / SCE	Month / Year
1	Applied Research Methodology: Case Studies, Probability Theory & Interdisciplinary Insights	Book	A2Z EDULEARNINGHUB LLP	NA	ISBN	March, 2025

Sl. No	Title	Journal / Book / Patent	Publication House	IF	Scopus / SCE	Month / Year
1	Resilient Traditions and Changing Spaces: Vernacular Architecture and Livelihood Shifts in Assam’s Handloom and Handicraft Settlements	Indian Journal of Information Sources and Services	The Research Publication	NA	Yes	Dec, 2025
2	Prediction of groundwater quality assessment by integrating boosted learning with DE optimizer	Scientific Reports	Nature Portfolio	3.9	Yes	Dec, 2025
3	Socio-economic Inequities and Anemia in Pregnancy in Gajapati District of Odisha: An Empirical Inquest	Indian Journal of Information Sources and Services	PKP Preservation Network	NA	Yes	Sept, 2025
4	Machine learning-based LULC change detection and environmental implications in Bankura, West Bengal, India	AIMS Environmental Science	AIMS Environmental Science	1.2	Yes	Sept, 2025
5	Machine Learning-Enhanced Monitoring and Assessment of Urban Drinking Water Quality in North Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India	Limnological Review	MDPI	NA	Yes	Sept, 2025
6	Integrated Evaluation of Soil Pollution and Plant Bioaccumulation Using Multimetric Indices: A Case Study from the Rehova Copper Mine, Albania	International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics (IJDNE)	International Information and Engineering Technology Association (IIETA)	NA	Yes	August, 2025
7	Risk to resilience: analyzing barriers to cyclone vulnerability in coastal Odisha	Current Science	Indian Academy of Sciences	1.0	Yes	July, 2025
8	Enhancing lightning strike prediction: leveraging geospatial data and ensemble machine learning for risk management	Acta Geophysica	SPRINGER	2.1	Yes	July, 2025
9	Predicting Potential Habitats and the Conservation of the Tasar Silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) in the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India	Sustainability	MDPI	3.3	Yes	June, 2025
10	Urban Expansion and Land Use Transformations in Midnapore City (2003–2024): Implications for Sustainable Development	Earth	MDPI	3.4	Yes	June, 2025
11	Heatwave-induced thermoregulatory stress in Odisha’s coastal and north-eastern districts: Examining the April 2024 event using advanced statistical and geospatial techniques	Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans	Elsevier	2.0	Yes	June, 2025
12	Hydrogeochemical and Geospatial Insights into Groundwater Contamination: Fluoride and Nitrate Risks in Western Odisha, India	Water	MDPI	3.0	Yes	May, 2025
13	Irrigation water quality prognostication: An innovative ensemble architecture leveraging deep learning and machine learning for enhanced SAR and ESP estimation in the east coast of India	Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering	Elsevier	7.2	Yes	April, 2025
14	Fluoride Risk Prognostication: A Pioneering Ensemble Machine Learning Approach for Groundwater Contamination Prediction in Parts of the East Coast of India	Water	MDPI	3.0	Yes	March, 2025
15	Geospatial monitoring of environmental sustainability: A remote sensing-based approach for assessing mining-induced impacts in Eastern India	Results in Engineering	Elsevier	7.9	Yes	March, 2025

Societal Impacts

This research translates into different societal impact areas as it directly protects public health and safety through predictive tools that prevent waterborne diseases and enable proactive disaster management for cyclones, heatwaves, and lightning, saving lives and reducing losses. Also, it promotes equitable and sustainable development by providing evidence to target health interventions for vulnerable groups, preserve cultural livelihoods, and guide responsible urban and industrial planning. It enables the transition to a green economy through renewable energy innovations and science-based conservation, balancing ecological and economic needs. Collectively, it provides actionable evidence for building resilient, healthy, and inclusive communities.

Climate & SDGs Contribution

This research outcomes through publication delivers targeted contributions to Climate Action (SDG 13) by developing predictive tools for disaster resilience in addressing cyclones, heatwaves, and lightning while managing key climate stressors through advanced assessments of groundwater, soil pollution, and land-use change. It simultaneously advances a network of interconnected SDGs, safeguarding water quality (SDG 6), conserving biodiversity (SDG 15), guiding sustainable urban and industrial planning (SDGs 11 & 12), and promoting social equity through studies on health disparities and resilient livelihoods (SDGs 3, 8, 10). The work is further strengthened by patented innovations in renewable energy and sustainable transport, directly supporting clean energy access and infrastructure (SDGs 7 & 9), thereby uniting environmental, social, and technological solutions within a holistic sustainable development framework.

Members

Dr. Dillip Kumar Bera

Dr. Dillip Kumar Bera, the distinguished Dean of the School of Civil Engineering, is a prolific scholar and visionary leader with a multifaceted research portfolio. He completed his B.Tech. in Civil Engineering from UCE Burla, followed by an M.Tech. from IIT Delhi, and earned his Ph.D. from KIIT Deemed to be University. With over 25 years of extensive experience spanning both industry and academia, Dr. Bera brings a wealth of practical and research expertise to his leadership role.

He is a Life Member of several professional bodies, including the Institution of Engineers (India), the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). His primary research focuses on the development of sustainable construction materials with practical applications in water conservation and environmental remediation.

Dr. Bera’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of critical domains, including Structural Engineering and Construction Management, complemented by advanced technical proficiency in Remote Sensing, GIS, and Advanced Surveying. His comprehensive knowledge extends to cutting-edge areas such as sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, and disaster resilience.

With more than 30 publications in reputed international journals, 3 patents, and several book chapters, Dr. Bera’s scholarly contributions are both extensive and impactful. An accomplished mentor, he has successfully supervised four Ph.D. scholars and numerous Master’s students, alongside leading multiple research and consultancy projects.

He maintains strong collaborations with various core construction industries, fostering practical exposure and professional development opportunities for students. Through his powerful blend of academic excellence, mentorship, and industry engagement, Dr. Bera ensures that students receive a rich, contemporary learning experience grounded in hands-on, collaborative research and real-world innovation.

Dr. Rakesh Ranjan Thakur

Dr. Thakur is an esteemed academician and researcher with a Ph.D. in Remote Sensing & Geoinformatics. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor-II in the School of Civil Engineering, where he also holds the position of Faculty-in-Charge (FIC) for the Centre for Remote Sensing & Disaster Management (CRSDM). Boasting over 17 years of experience in national and state-level scientific organizations, Dr. Thakur has been actively involved in more than 25 Research & Development projects and consultancy activities, bringing a wealth of practical expertise to his academic role.

His research in Geospatial Science is centered on the application of Remote Sensing, GIS, and AI/ML to critical areas such as Disaster Management, Natural Resources, Mangrove/Wetland studies, Urban Planning, and Coastal Vulnerability. His work has made significant contributions to understanding natural disasters, managing vital resources, and monitoring environmental changes, thereby informing policy at various levels.

A prolific contributor to his field, Dr. Thakur has authored over 30 research papers, holds 3 patents, and has written a book. He is deeply committed to mentorship, actively guiding Ph.D., Masters, and graduate students. His professional engagement extends to serving on the editorial boards of international journals, and he is a life member of several prestigious societies, including the Indian Society of Geomatics (ISG), the Indian National Cartographic Association (INCA), Odisha Environmental Society, and Odisha Bigyan Academy. Dr. Thakur remains dedicated to teaching, advancing research, and inspiring the next generation of geospatial scientists.

Dr. Ajay Pradhan

Dr. Ajay Pradhan, Vice President, Institute Industry Interface ( 3i ) KIIT University / KISS University, CEO & President, C2S2, New Delhi is a civil engineer with a doctorate in Water Resource Engineering, boasting 27+ years of experience in planning, designing, and implementing projects funded by national and international agencies. He’s currently Chairman and CEO of Cetus Consulting Solution Services (C2S2), New Delhi. Previously, he was MD of Halcrow & CH2MHILL, Director at DHV, and founder-MD of DHI India. Dr. Pradhan has consulted for government agencies like Planning Commission and National Informatics Center.

His expertise includes Sustainable Water Management, Solid Waste Management, Climate Change, and Hydropower. He’s a member of KIIT Governing Council, Chairman of KIIT University Academic, Industry and Innovation, and holds key positions in various organizations. A recipient of the Udyog Ratna Award, he’s a water leader in Asia and member of several national and international boards. Dr. Pradhan mentor’s IT innovation in water sector and provides consultancy services, focusing on hydrological studies and sediment control management in Uttarakhand, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Dr. Kshyanaprava Samal

Dr. Kshyana Prava Samal obtained her Ph.D. degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee in 2009. She has a rich academic background with over 15 years of teaching and 5 years of research experience. She is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the School of Civil Engineering at KIIT Deemed to be University.

Dr. Samal has contributed extensively to research and academia through numerous publications in national and international journals and conferences. She has also undergone specialized training in High Impact Teaching Skills and is certified by WIPRO, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in pedagogy. With a strong passion for mentoring and guiding students, she has played a significant role in shaping the academic and professional growth of many young minds. Dr. Samal has also been actively involved in the organization of several academic events, serving as Local Chairman and Organizing Secretary in various conferences.

Her contributions to research have been recognized through a prestigious ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science Research)–IMPRESS funded project. Her research interests include inequity studies in water quality and quantity, groundwater modelling, and solid waste management, among others. Driven by a deep passion for teaching and social service, Dr. Samal continues to inspire students and peers alike through her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to societal development.

Dr. Jyoti Prakash Padhi

Dr. Padhi is an Associate Professor in the School of Civil Engineering at KIIT Deemed to be University in Bhubaneswar, bringing over 19 years of dedicated research and teaching experience to the role. His academic journey includes a B.Tech from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, an M.Tech from IIT Kharagpur, a Ph.D. from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, and post-doctoral research at the University of Nebraska, USA, complemented by previous professional positions at the Indian Institute of Water Management and the University of Southern Queensland. My teaching encompasses a wide range of courses such as Water Resources Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Surface and Groundwater Hydrology, and Geospatial Engineering. My research is primarily focused on water resource management, the impacts of climate change on droughts and floods, and the application of remote sensing and GIS. Furthermore, He is an active member of several professional societies including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and ASABE, and have served as the coordinator for training programs on rainwater harvesting and remote sensing applications for State Government engineers.

Group Photos

Partner Industries

Scope of works

The Centre serves as a hub for advanced research, training, and policy advocacy in remote sensing, geospatial technologies, and disaster risk reduction. The scope of work varies based on the roles of faculty members, Ph.D. scholars, postdoctoral researchers, industry professionals, and collaborative industry partners.

Pioneering Research:Conducting cutting-edge research in remote sensing, GIS, and disaster management to develop specialized courses in hazard modeling, climate resilience, and geospatial analytics.
Sustainable Funding:Actively securing research grants from premier national and international funding agencies (e.g., ISRO, NASA, UNDP, DST).
Mentoring Future Leaders:Guiding Ph.D. scholars through interdisciplinary research projects.
Driving Policy & Practice:Collaborating with key agencies (e.g., NDMA, IMD), NGOs, and international organizations to conduct policy-relevant studies.
Building Capacity & Disseminating Knowledge:Organizing workshops, seminars, and training programs, and publishing our findings in high-impact journals and policy reports.

Conduct original research in satellite-based disaster monitoring (e.g.,cyclone, floods, droughts, wildfires) and climate change impact assessment using geospatial tools.
Design and develop innovative methodologies for disaster risk assessment and early warning systems, utilizing machine learning and AI for hazard prediction.
Secure and manage collaborations with national and international space agencies (e.g., ISRO, NRSC, NASA, JAXA) for data acquisition and joint projects.
Disseminate findings through publications in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.
Support project execution and conduct fieldwork in disaster-prone regions as part of a faculty-led research team.

Research Leadership:Spearhead independent research projects utilizing advanced remote sensing technologies (LiDAR, Hyperspectral Imaging, InSAR) for environmental and hazard monitoring.
Interdisciplinary Integration:Design and execute multi-disciplinary projects that bridge geospatial technology with practical climate adaptation strategies.
Collaboration & Funding:Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with global research institutions (e.g., UN-SPIDER, GFZ Potsdam) and contribute to large-scale, funded projects in line with the Sendai Framework for DRR.
Mentorship:Mentor and supervise Ph.D. and Master’s students in advanced geospatial data analysis, modeling, and research methodologies.

Commercial Product Development:Creating market-ready remote sensing applications for sectors including disaster insurance and critical infrastructure monitoring.
Real-Time Consultancy:Delivering rapid, data-driven disaster mapping and analysis for floods and landslides using integrated drone and satellite platforms.
Strategic R&D Partnerships:Collaborating with leading research centers to advance the state of AI-driven geospatial analytics.
Technology Transfer:Specializing in translating academic research into operational tools for industry, such as custom early warning systems for corporate clients.

Collaborative R&D and Innovation:

Partner on joint research projects, such as developing IoT-based sensor networks for advanced disaster monitoring.
Co-develop innovative software solutions with industry, including cloud-based GIS platforms for disaster management.
Talent Development and Capacity Building
Sponsor fellowships and internships for students to solve industry-relevant challenges.
Conduct community engagement and training programs to build the capacity of local disaster responders.

Policy and Infrastructure Influence:

Participate in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to advance resilient infrastructure planning.
Advocate for the integration of geospatial technologies into national and local disaster management policies.

Field Operations and Global Engagement:

Execute rapid field surveys and drone-based mapping in disaster-affected areas to support response efforts.
Foster international collaborations with universities, UN agencies, and space organizations to share knowledge and resources.

The CRSDM thus serves as a bridge between academia, industry, and policymakers, fostering innovation in remote sensing and disaster resilience.

Impact

The Centre will make transformative contributions across society, academia, and industry by leveraging geospatial technologies and AI-driven analytics. It enhances disaster preparedness, saving lives and reducing economic losses through early warning systems and rapid response. Academically, it advances remote sensing research, fosters global collaborations, and trains skilled professionals. Through industry partnerships, it spurs innovation in drone mapping and AI-based risk modeling, bridging technology, policy, and societal needs to drive sustainable development and national resilience.

Training Program

Our Remote Sensing and GIS programs stand apart through their dedicated focus on geospatial technology and earth observation. Designed for the future, we offer a distinct curriculum centered on geospatial technology and earth observation

Achievement

Selected for ERASMUS + along with University of North, Croatia for a period of 3 years which supports Faculty, Students exchange, Research etc.
The CRSDM has been recognized by the Survey of India, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, as an Emerging Centre in the fields of Remote Sensing and Advanced Surveying at the Workshop on Awareness of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS), at IMMT Bhubaneswar on 27^th November 2025.
Awarded as Best Story Map Competition organized by ESRI India on “Revealing the ancient Engineering Marvel: Waterways Behind Black Pagoda Construction”.
It can be accessed through:
https://storymaps2025.esri.in/portal/apps/storymaps/stories/