Remote-sensing database to upgrade planning in JK: Omar

Real-time spatial data about Jammu and Kashmir would help decision-making authorities in improving governance in all areas of the state, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today.
"A real-time spatial database available to planners and decision-making authorities would significantly help in improving governance and reaching out to people on development front according to their requirements and development needs in particular sectors," Abdullah said.
The chief minister was speaking at the launch of State Spatial Data Infrastructure (SSDI) project organised by the Department of Environment and Remote Sensing here.
He said the SSDI initiative could be used to address forest denudation issues, construction plans in hilly-backward and remote areas and conservation of water bodies and protection of environment.

Abdullah said while reviewing the activities of Department of Environment and Remote Sensing at its Srinagar Campus he had assigned some projects to it.
"I am glad that the department's one of these projects on healthcare accessibility has won the national e-governance award for the year 2012-13", he said.

Abdullah said Geographical Information Service mapping of social sectors like health, education, road communication, forest conservation, is now used for schemes and infrastructure development programmes.
Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister of State for Cooperatives, Dr Manohar Lal and Minister of State for Science and Technology, Feroz Ahmad Khan in their speeches on the occasion highlighted the importance of State Spatial Data Infrastructure project for J&K.

Commissioner Secretary Forests and Environment, Ajaz Iqbal and Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology, Bipul Pathak also spoke on the occasion.