Bengaluru (PTI): Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi has held discussions with ISRO regarding the use of space technology-based inputs for analysing the flood risk associated with the Mullaperiyar and Idukki dams in Kerala.

The MP from Kerala, who is also the Minister of State for Tourism, on Tuesday met ISRO Chairman Somanath S at Antariksh Bhawan here, the space agency said.

In light of increasing incidents of extreme weather events across the country, the Minister expressed the view that there is an urgent need to evaluate the worst-case flood scenario linked to these dams, it said.

According to ISRO, Somanath assured ISRO’s support in making space-based inputs, such as high-resolution terrain data, available to researchers engaged in flood modeling to assess probable inundation and identify potential rehabilitation areas.

He also suggested developing a prototype solution integrating flood risk with rescue and rehabilitation planning, along with satellite communication capabilities, it said, adding, capacity building on the role of space-based support for disaster management was also suggested.

Gopi stressed the need to study the extent and nature of siltation in the dams and evaluate the possible utilisation of the sludge to support local industries.

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New Delhi (PTI): The country's largest airline IndiGo on Tuesday announced the appointment of former British Airways chief William Walsh as new CEO.

Walsh, an airline industry veteran, is currently the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Announcing the appointment of Walsh as the CEO, subject to regulatory approvals, IndiGo, in a release, said his tenure at IATA comes to a close on July 31 and is expected to join no later than August 3.

The announcement comes less than three weeks after the sudden exit of IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers.

Walsh, popularly known as Willie, was formerly CEO of British Airways and IAG (International Airlines Group, a holding company, which owns Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Level and Vueling).

"As we enter a new phase of transformation and growth, I am delighted to welcome Willie to IndiGo.

"He is an iconic and accomplished aviation leader, and brings a rare combination of global perspective, operational expertise of having built strong customer-focused airlines, deep industry experience and a values-driven leadership, making him exceptionally suited to lead IndiGo at this pivotal cusp of growth," IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia said.