Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat (DKZP), in association with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and the Moodbidri-based Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, have come forward to map the assets of all the gram panchayats of Mangaluru taluk.

Speaking at a workshop to create awareness on this initiative among panchayat-level officers, MR Ravi, Chief Executive Officer of DKZP, said that Mangaluru taluk will be the first one in the state to be part of the Bhuvan Panchayat project of the Centre.

Around 270 public assets of 56 gram panchayats of Mangaluru taluk will be spatially mapped by the representatives of panchayat raj institutions under this project.

Stating that planning for the development of the villages requires proper understanding of the local context, including resources and assets, he said the asset directory compiles different types of assets and resources available in the village and helps in facilitating various schemes of the government to the villagers.

Ravi said that every planner will be equipped with the requirements of the village with this project. This can help the planners plan accordingly.

Vivek Alva, Trustee of Alva’s Education Trust, said that Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology is one among the 10 colleges in India associated with ISRO for Bhuvan Panchayat project. The spatial mapping of the assets in gram panchayats of Mangaluru taluk will help in meticulous planning of the gram panchayats in future, he said.Though the spatial mapping of the public assets at village level needs to be completed in three months, the DKZP and Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology are targeting to complete it in a month, he said.