Kohima, Nagaland witnessed a key meeting on May 15 as NEC (Northeastern Council) members Tenzing Norbu Thongdok and Longki Phangcho from the Ministry of DoNER (Development of Northeastern Region) visited the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre. The visit, hosted by the Planning & Transformation Department at its Secretariat office, focused on reviewing ongoing NEC supported initiatives leveraging GIS and remote sensing technologies. This collaboration highlights the commitment of the Northeastern Council and the Ministry of DoNER to advancing development through technological solutions in Nagaland. Officials from both organizations actively participated in the review.
The visiting NEC members articulated a clear vision for the department’s future endeavours. They emphasized the critical need to diligently capture and consistently update spatial data. Furthermore, they stressed the importance of establishing a comprehensive repository for all developmental projects that receive funding under the NEC’s various schemes. Their guidance extended to advising the department on actively assisting concerned entities in the crucial tasks of capturing cadastral mapping details, ensuring the availability of life-saving drugs across the state, and meticulously mapping road connectivity to all health centres within Nagaland.
In a gesture of encouragement and recognition, Tenzing Norbu Thongdok specifically urged the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre to actively pursue collaborative partnerships with other states. He highlighted that NEC review Nagaland GIS centre funding schemes provide immense potential for mutual learning and growth through the sharing of innovative approaches and noteworthy achievements in the geospatial domain.
Mhathung Kithan, the Senior Director of the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre, provided the visiting NEC delegation with a comprehensive overview of the centre’s multifaceted activities. He meticulously detailed the various projects that have been successfully implemented in close collaboration with different line departments, all with the valuable support of the NEC. The visit prominently featured the ongoing preparation of the ambitious Geospatial Plan for Governance & Sustainable Development, effectively showcasing the pivotal role of NGISRSC in leveraging Geospatial technology to enhance governance and provide robust decision support across the state.
Through engaging hands-on demonstrations, the NEC Review Nagaland GIS centre funding schemes delegation gained firsthand experience of the project’s key accomplishments. These included the establishment of a sophisticated Geospatial command & facilitation centre, designed to foster seamless interdepartmental coordination and efficient Geospatial data dissemination. They also witnessed the functionality of web-based centralised Geospatial Units, now operational within 15 key stakeholder departments, empowering data-driven governance practices. Furthermore, the delegation was presented with the impactful results of UAV-acquired high-resolution imagery covering 13 urban stations, demonstrating its significant contribution to enhanced monitoring capabilities and informed decision support.
The NEC members also undertook an insightful tour of the centre’s dedicated drone division. This segment of the visit featured compelling demonstrations of diverse drone applications, ongoing research initiatives, and notable innovations within the field. These presentations effectively highlighted the transformative role of drone technology in various aspects of planning and monitoring across the region. Impressed by the advancements, the NEC members specifically commended the innovative integration of UAV technology, recognizing its significant transformative potential for regional governance.
The visit culminated in a well-deserved commendation for the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre. The NEC members lauded the centre for its significant and impactful contributions to the geospatial sector within Nagaland. They specifically acknowledged the centre’s success in promoting crucial interdepartmental collaboration, enhancing the quality of decision support systems, and ultimately strengthening overall governance within the state.
The visit of the NEC members to the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre underscores the vital role of geospatial technology in the governance and development of Nagaland. The commendations received by NGISRSC highlight its successful initiatives in interdepartmental collaboration, advanced data management, and the innovative integration of technologies like UAVs. With continued support and strategic partnerships, the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre is poised to further enhance data-driven decision-making and contribute significantly to the sustainable development of the North Eastern Region, solidifying its position as a key institution for technological advancement in the state.