HP launches geo-informatics centre

While inaugurating the centre,Chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said that the spatial information now plays a vital role in planning process for effective implementation of various developmental activities and thus AgiSAC would help develop integrated natural resource data management system,provide service or consultancy based on specific user needs in the field of remote sensing and promote use of SATCOM networks for distant interactive training and education in the state.

Additional chief secretary (environment) S Roy said nine departments have already been linked with the AGiSAC services in the first phase to take benefit of the geo-informatics tools to carry developmental planning. “In the next three months nine more departments would be included. It’s biggest application will be in the developmental planning and decision making process,beside sending advisories and alerts to grassroot functionaries,” he said.

Later,Dhumal complimented the official teams that worked in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh to give a final shape to the idea and said two fast developing states have set an example,which others may replicate for country’s benefit.

Tracing Himachal’s initiatives on the environment and use of new technologies,Dhumal hoped that the centre would be useful in developing integrated natural resource data management system and help in arresting the process of climate change threatening the Himalayan states.

Rajwant Sandhu,chief secretary,detailed the initiatives taken by the state towards digitization of the revenue records to deliver people online services. She said that the State had constituted nodal team to monitor and evaluate the progress in the computerization process. With the launching of AGiSAC effecting mapping of different cases would be possible,she added.

Gujarat additional chief secretary Ravi Saxena and BISAG director T P Singh were also present.