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NEGeo 2006
has happened. It was historic, encouraging and
incredible. istoric as never before has a conference
of this scale, importance and success taken place
in the region. Encouraging, as stakeholders from
all states were present and participated actively.
Incredible because of the enthusiasm and spirit
of participation that was displayed by the attendees.
The success of conferences cannot be judged only
by the number of participants but also by the
technical inputs that arise during relevant debates.
The objective of NEGeo 2006 was to understand
and identify the developmental issues and needs
of the North East region and explore the role
of geo-information technologies. It envisaged
to increase awareness levels and act as a platform
to assimilate various initiatives being taken
by different states. In this conext, NEGeo is
a significant step. It has a triggered a process
and that’s where the success of NEGeo lies.In
his keynote address, Brig CS Bewli, Deputy Surveyor
General, Survey of India highlighted the challenges
related to mapping and surveying in North East
Region. While addressing the gathering of over
200 participants, he emphasized that although
the region is economically underdeveloped, it
is rich in natural resources and as such, Geo-Informatic
technology should be used for planning and developmental
purposes in the NE region. The inaugural session
was addressed by Prof Gautam Barua, Director,
IIT Guwahati; Brig RC Padhi; Military Survey,
Indian Army, Dr KC Bhattacharya, Director, NESAC;
Dr Vandana Sharma, Senior Technical Director,
NIC; and Prof SC Patra, Director, NERIWALM. The
NEGeo 2006 conference held at Assam Administrative
Staff College, Guwahati from Sept 21- 22 was organized
by Centre for Geo-Information Technologies (cGIT),
publisher of Coordinates magazine. The conference
was coorganised by IIT Guwahati, National Informatics
Centre, NERIWALM, Department of Science &
Technology, Survey of India, NESAC, Guwahati University,
NEHU, Planning Commission, ISRO etc.
During NEGeo 2006, Department of Science and Technology
orgainzed a session on NE SDI and NERWALM organized
a session on Land and Water Resource Management.
Some of the key speakers were Brig B Nagarajan,
Survey of India; Dr G Chennaiah, Director SRSAC,
Arunachal Pradesh; Prof Dulal Goswami, Guwahati
University; Dr RP Singh, Census of India; Prof
BS Mipun, NEHU; Dr Zavei Hiess, Director; Nagaland
Science and Technology Council; and Dr TG Antony
Balan, Chairman Brahmaputra Board etc. More than
25 presentations were made during the conference.
A three-day residential training program was also
organised on 18-20 Sep at IIT Guwahati. The programme
was attended by around 30 participants. |
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| Exhibition |
Additionally,
an exhibition was also organized during the conference
which was participated by the Survey of India,
NERIWALM, NE Space Application Centre, National
Informatics Centre, Forest Survey of India, Census
of India, Canon, Lepton Software, Aerial Services,
AMIL Ltd, CADD Centre, Elcome Technologies, PCI
Software, IDS, ERDAS India and many more players
from the industry. |
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| NEGeo
2006 communique |
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NEGeo
2006 was organised by Coordinates and
co-organised by IIT Guwahati, NE-SAC,
NERIWALM, DST, NIC, Survey of India, Planning
Commission, ISRO, Geography department,
Gauhati University, Manipur University,
Mizoram University, Forest Survey of India,
Assam Administrative Staff College, NEHU,
Meghalaya S&T Council, Brahmaputra
Board etc.
In a two-day conference attended by more
than two hundred delegates, academia,
industry, and various government departments
deliberated on several key issues pertaining
to the growth of geomatics in the NE region.
NEGeo 2006 understands the need of spatial
data in the region for developmental purposes.
Although some data is available pertaining
to NE region with national agencies and
a few organizations in the region, it
is not in standardized format, thus restricting
utility value for the lowest level of
governance like village councils, village
development boards, gram panchayats, municipalities
and traditional and tribal institutions.
There is no system for data acquisition,
updation or dissemination. These issues
are discussed in the first of its kind
conference NEGeo 2206.
The release of National Map Policy last
year in May and the adoption of NSDI resolution
this year in June by the Government of
India is a very positive step in creating
the spatial data infrastructure to be
used by one and all in case planning and
development. Specific policy framework/guidelines
under the overall national policy relevant
to North East region is the need of the
hour.
The presentations by the Survey of India
and NIC indicated that they are coming
forward with much more openness to share
and provide data e.g. digital toposheets
at Rs 5,500 (1:50,000 scale) and NIC through
their network freely. Updating maps of
1:10,000 scale and the rationalization
of the projection system are welcome steps.
We will welcome a time frame for the NE
region for such updated maps.
The initiative taken by the DST on NESDI
was appreciated in a session devoted to
NESDI and the vision was endorsed by the
delegates. The DST, being a forward looking
organisation, should take the lead and
establish the NESDI under NEC which is
an apt body under the Government of India,
with mandate for planning and development.
The methodology and the results of work
conducted in different states of NER has
formed a base to prepare the strategy
for NESDI and standardize the formats
and procedures.There is a need for institutional
mechanism for NESDI and resolution other
related issues. The approval of Secretary,
NEC to establish NESDI is welcome. A core
group may be formed to continuously work
and provide the necessary inputs for establishing
and functioning of NESDI.
The creation of a digital data base involves
technology inputs. Sophisticated instruments
and software are essential and expensive
requirements; many who are interested
in getting involved in digital data creation,
often cannot afford to. Hassle free functioning
and maintenance and other technical support
is an added bottleneck. The non-availability
of
high-resolution satellite data from NRSA
to academic institutions hinders research
activities in this region. The NEGeo recommends
resolving such issues on priority.
NEGeo 2006 emphasised the need of trained
technical man power for efficient implementation
of geoinformation technologies in the
region. A well thought-out capacity building
programme with networking of resource
institutions may be planned.
Enhancing the training facilities in the
region to quickly meet emerging requirements
is also recommended.
There is a need for more collaboration
among the various government and non-government
organisations working the field of geo-information
technologies in NE region. NEC may act
as a nodal agency for this.
The presentations made at NEGeo 2006 have
led to the conclusion that digital data
will have to be created for all kinds
of digital data projects. This should
be encouraged by the funding agencies,
implementation agencies, state governments
and district administration, which can
be implemented in a phased manner.
Ministry of Science and Technology should
enhance funding for digital data creation
and technology development, on one hand
and other ministries such as Ministry
of IT, DONER, Ministry of Water Resources,
Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Rural
Development, Ministry of Environment and
Forests, Ministry of Urban affairs, Ministry
of Surface Transport etc should earmark
funds for such activities in NER in their
programmes. Planning Commission may also
formulate special programmes for NER to
create digital data base.
It was also recommended that NEGeo should
be held annually .
The recommendations are discussed at NEGeo
2006 and endorsed by the gathering. |
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| October
2006 |
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