Expertise: Remote sensing, GIS
Expertise Group: Data & Information Services
Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords: Remote sensing
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The Support for Irrigation Modernization Program–Phase 2 Consultants team (consultants) will: (i)
prepare irrigation modernization plans (IMPs) for at least four major and medium irrigation (MMI)
schemes (subprojects) in four states (Haryana, Karnataka, Maharahstra, and Rajasthan); and (ii) initiate
knowledge and awareness programs and study tours activities. The consultants will comprise a mix of 2
international and 8 national experts. Subject to time and resources, the consultants may also be asked
to (i) include an additional two subprojects (Purna, and Chambal); and (ii) undertake additional studies
on the state’s water resources and irrigation sector, as requested by ADB and in consultation with the
Central Water Commission (CWC), Department of Water Resources (DoWR), and the participating state
governments.
The consultants will coordinate with and use the information and data provided by the Central Irrigation
Modernization Office (CIMO) and the State Irrigation Modernization Units (SIMUs). Extensive consultation
is needed to ensure full ownership of the processes and outputs by both CWC, DoWR River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation (RD&GR) and the participating state governments. The key studies required in the
preparation of the modernization plan and the flow chart for the process are provided in the attached
Annex 1 and the SIMP Phase 1 final reports are available on request to ADB. Detailed explanations of the
work required for each of these studies are provided in SIMP Phase 1 Final Report, Volume II Section 2I
– studies, investigations, and schedule for the first batch of irrigation modernization plans. The
consultants are to review the guidance material and advise on recommended adjustments, as needed, to
meet the requirements of this assignment and the states’ objectives for the subprojects.
Scope of Work
The Remote Sensing/GIS Specialist will be responsible for carrying out the remote sensing-based analyses
required for preparing the IMP. He/she will be responsible for ensuring that the required analyses are
carried out and the required outputs delivered.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
- Carry out medium-level remote sensing analysis for each Batch 1 irrigation scheme. A vegetation index
analysis will be carried out which will be based on a medium resolution 250-m pixel analysis of the
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The gross command area will be surveyed to provide a
first assessment of land use during the dry season. The imagery will be analyzed to distinguish 3
classes: (i) agricultural very active, (ii) active and (iii) non-active, thus supporting the
identification of trends in the evolution of irrigated agriculture in the area. The medium resolution
analysis will then be supplemented with one high detail 30-m pixel snapshot. This snapshot will cover
part of the scheme, depending on satellite coverage and availability. While the medium analysis will be
insufficient to derive full crop/water productivity, the snapshot will provide an indicative relation
based on a high-detail analysis over a small sample which can contribute to preliminary estimates of the
productivity of water (POW). - Carry out detailed-level remote sensing analysis for each subproject. The high-detail analysis will
provide an in-depth analysis of crop water productivity using satellite information to be procured with
a 30-m resolution. The dry season will be analyzed for a period of maximum 6 months using bi-monthly
imagery (1 every 2 weeks) as input for energy balance modelling and ground-truth supported supervised
land cover classification. The resulting time series and land cover map will be used to derive a
crop/water productivity map. This will be a crop biomass/water productivity map that can be upgraded to
a crop yield/water productivity map if a yield/biomass relation can be established from official crop
statistics with some supporting fieldwork. - Based on the medium-level and detailed-level remote sensing analysis, support the national water
resources specialist in carrying out technical studies and analysis related to sub-basin water balance
for each subproject. Identify and prepare proposals for improved water management for each subproject. - Contribute to planning and conducting with CIMO/ SIMU, a workshop on each draft IMP with respective
participating state SIMU and a workshop on draft final TA outputs with CIMO/SIMU. - Design and conduct a training program on use of remote sensing/GIS in water resources/ irrigation
management for CIMO/SIMU staff and WRD staff of other interested states. - Support the Team Leader in liaising with CIMO/CWC, SIMU/state WRD and ADB on implementation of the TA
activities and in preparing and submitting Inception/ Interim/ progress reports. - Contribute in specialist areas to the preparation of guidelines/manual for MMI modernization under
SIMP to be published as a CWC Technical Note.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The specialist will have post-graduate degree in remote sensing/ geoinformatics or similar with at least
10 years of experience in application of remote sensing and geoinformatics in the water resources/
irrigation sector.
Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 10 Years
