Arunachal Guv advocates drone-based GIS mapping, border development
Itanagar, Aug 6
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik on Thursday underscored the critical role of Geographic Information System technology in accelerating infrastructure development and strengthening border area planning, while advocating extensive use of drone-based mapping and geospatial monitoring.
He said these technologies should be deployed for planning, monitoring and managing roads, bridges, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, power networks and other strategic infrastructure across the state.
Lt Gen Parnaik (Retd) participated in the 'Geo Vision Itanagar' Seminar. He said real-time monitoring can improve project execution, strengthen accountability and support initiatives such as the Vibrant Village Programme in frontier regions.
He emphasised that GIS technology must become a cornerstone of governance in Arunachal Pradesh, enabling informed decision-making, efficient service delivery and sustainable development. He noted that the state's rugged terrain, dense forests, dispersed settlements and extensive international borders demand innovative, technology-driven solutions.
Outlining a strategic roadmap, the Governor advocated the establishment of a State Geospatial Governance Platform integrating data from departments including Revenue, Planning, Rural Development, Public Works, Forest, Agriculture, Disaster Management and Power. He said a unified geospatial ecosystem would facilitate seamless information sharing, improve coordination, eliminate duplication and promote evidence-based policymaking.
He identified land survey as a critical area requiring geospatial intervention, stressing the need to accelerate GIS-based cadastral surveys, digitisation of land records and implementation of the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) system. Reliable land information, he said, would help resolve disputes, expedite projects, improve public trust and create an investment-friendly environment.
The Governor also emphasised leveraging GIS for disaster preparedness and climate resilience. He called for collaboration among the Arunachal Pradesh State Application Centre (APSAC), disaster management agencies and district administrations to develop hazard mapping and early warning systems against floods, landslides, earthquakes and glacial lake outburst floods.
Referring to emerging technologies, he highlighted the potential of GeoAI, Digital Twins, drone analytics and mobile GIS. He said these innovations enable predictive analysis and real-time decision support, making governance more proactive and citizen-centric.
He further said geospatial technology can strengthen agriculture, horticulture, forestry, biodiversity conservation, healthcare and urban planning. GIS-based suitability analysis, he noted, can help identify ideal locations for high-value crops such as kiwi, apple, orange, walnut and cardamom, thereby improving farmers' livelihoods.
The Governor also highlighted the role of geospatial intelligence in supporting social initiatives, including the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' campaign, through identification of vulnerable areas and targeted interventions. GIS-enabled dashboards, he added, can provide transparent, real-time insights into developmental projects, ensuring better utilisation of public resources.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I hope they focus on training local youth for these technologies. We need job creation alongside development, not just imported expertise. GIS mapping is great but it should benefit the local communities first.
As someone from the Northeast, this is heartening! The mention of kiwi and cardamom crops using GIS analysis is brilliant - our farmers deserve scientific support. Vibrant Village Programme needs this kind of tech backbone. 🇮🇳
Impressive vision from the Governor. Using GeoAI and Digital Twins for disaster management is exactly what countries with similar terrains like Nepal and Bhutan are exploring. Good to see India taking geospatial governance seriously.
The 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' connection is interesting - using GIS for targeted social interventions shows how tech can go beyond infrastructure. Hope the State Geospatial Platform integrates all departments properly. Transparency is the key!
Sensible direction but implementation will decide everything. We have seen many such initiatives look good on paper. Let's ensure the data is updated regularly and made accessible to local governance bodies. #DigitalIndia 🌏
This is exactly the kind of tech-driven administration we need for border areas. The glacial lake outburst flood early warning systems are crucial
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