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Satellite photos of Bhuj considered sensitive

Photographs of quake-hit Bhuj taken by remote sensing satellites will not be made available to relief workers because the imageries cover sensitive defence installations, according to an official of the Department of Space.

The Ministry of Defence has not given clearance for distribution of the imageries, even though the space department has suggested that they may be needed for relief work and reconstruction of the city, the official said.

Photographs taken by Indian and foreign satellites are normally distributed by the Hyderabad-based National Remote Sensing Agency after masking areas considered sensitive by the Ministry of Defence.

As per existing rules, the whole of Bhuj, being close to the border with Pakistan, is considered a sensitive place. The Ministry of Defence has not relaxed this rule even though the city has been very nearly wiped out by the January 26 earthquake, the space official said.

He said the satellite imageries of Bhuj are at present in custody of the NRSA and it has been asked not to supply these even to a government department, let alone non-government organisations and relief agencies.

PTI

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