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“Security
concerns about maps are at times overplayed” |
says Lt
Gen Ranjit Singh, SM, Engineer-in-chief and
Senior Col Comdt, the Corps of Engineers, Indian
Army while discussing the importance and role
of geo-spatial technologies in defence
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| What are the activities
of the Corps of Engineers? |
The
Corps of Engineers is an arm of army that provides all
the combat engineering support to the army. We are responsible
for the construction and maintenance of the entire infrastructure
that’s needed by the defence forces. It is our
responsibility to facilitate the mobility of our forces
whether it is on foot, on road or even by air especially
in border areas. It is our job to provide infrastructure
that helps our troops to fi ght the battle. In addition,
we also erect obstacles in the path of enemy forces. |
| How important are geospatial
technologies in your activities? |
| Mapping has
its roots in military requirements. In fact, maps are
the by-products of defence needs only. Geo-spatial technologies
have a major role to play in this age of computerisation.
We have military survey units to map border areas with
the help of satellite imageries. More importantly, we
need to have accurate maps (in paper/digital form) in
order to plan for the defence of the country. |
What
challenges do you face while introducing new technologies
in your department? |
Whatever is needed
in introducing the relevant technologies at our end,
we do that. However, in government set up, it takes
some time as certain procedures have to be followed. |
What
is your opinion on the access of spatial information
for developmental projects vis-à-vis security
concerns? |
My
own perception is that the security concerns are at
times over played. Many countries do have the digital
maps of their adversaries. In
addition, one can get very sensitive information from
many other sources. Google earth is one such example.
It was not long ago when taking a photograph at airports
was prohibited in India. Such rules are silly and ridiculous.
As far as the debate goes, it will continue as there
will always be security concerns which will need to
be balanced with the need to make maps available to
the private individuals/organizations for their use. |
How
do you see the proposed introduction of open series
maps
for civilian use? |
It is a right
step. For civilian purposes, one does not require highly
accurate and detailed maps. The needs are different.
Hence, enabling access to non-sensitive geo-spatial
information for developmental projects and civilian
purpose is a welcome step. |
The
GPS system is under US control. Is it sensible to depend
on this system? |
We must understand
that nowadays weapons are very lethal and have potential
to infl ict considerable damage. We have seen that in
the recent Iraq war. It is essential to have a dependable
guidance system to pin point the target and avoid collateral
damage. Hence, it will be appropriate and important
to explore the other options in this regard. If I go
by the newspaper reports, I understand that the Government
of India is evaluating and exploring other options also. |
| How do you see the growth
of geomatics in India? |
There is a vast difference in the
way we used to map and the way we do it now. The growth
in this technology is visible and perceptible. You
can see this in the ongoing research in various academic
institutes and the increasing demand for geo-spatial
information for various projects. In addition, the
growth of industry in this segment in recent years
also reveals the potential in this fi eld. Awareness
about such technologies is very high and that’s
very good, as that ensures a promising future for
these technologies.
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| January
2006 |
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Lt
Gen Ranjit Singh, SM, assumed the coveted
appointment of the Engineer-in-Chief and Senior
Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Engineers on
01 Feb 2005. He has had an illustrious career
in the Army spanning nearly 40 years. He is a
graduate from Defence Services Staff College,
and has attended the prestigious Higher Command
Course and the internationally reputed National
Defence College. |
He
was Chief Engineer of the Border Roads Project
in Bhutan, where he was involved in planning,
execution, monitoring and fi nancial control of
works worth in the Himalyan Kingdom.
He was later Chief Engineer of Eastern Command,
Kolkata, where he was responsible for planning
and technical supervision of infrastructure development
works for the Eastern Army. As Director General
(Works) in Army HQ, he was responsible for planning/designing
of all major/ specialised works executed by the
Military Engineer Services.
Before Engineer-in-Chief, he was holding the appointment
of Director General Border Roads, where he was
the executive head of the Organisation and was
responsible for perspective planning and management
of 13 Projects involved in construction and maintenance
of Roads, Bridges, Airfi elds in North India,
the North East, as well as abroad.
He is a member of Indian Building Congress, Indian
Road Congress and International Project Management
Association. He is a fellow of Indian Institute
of Bridge Engineers and of Institution of Engineers.
He is also on Board of Governors of Construction
Industry Development Council.
He is a keen sportsman and an outstanding sailor.
He is presently Executive Vice President of Yatching
Association of India, and the Canoeing and Kayaking
Association of India. He has been bestowed with
Eminent Engineer Award on 38th Engineer Day on
15 Sep 2005 by the Institution of Engineers (India). |
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