Shailesh Nayak, Secretary in the Department of Earth Sciences, has said that the GIS-based agro-meteorological services have taken roots in the country, with over 35 lakh farmers subscribing to the service.

Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day India Geospatial Forum here on Tuesday, he said the growth and environmental management did not have to be in conflict despite the fact that economic growth is based on use of natural resources.

“Some of the key requirements pertaining to natural resource management are, responding to changing water cycles, linking rivers and sustainable climate management,” he said.

The conference is being attended by representatives from Geographical Information systems (GIS) industry. Geospatial Media and Communications, is organising the event in association with Survey of India, Indian Space Research Organisation and National Remote Sensing Centre.

Danam Nagender, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Labour and Employment, asked the industry to evolve solutions that can address the needs of the poor.

Dorine Burmanje, Chair of Executive Board of Cadastre (Land Registry and Mapping Agency) of the Netherlands, said that geospatial information was not just about data collection.

“With technology such as smart phones becoming available to more people, the role and importance of geo-info is undergoing a sea change. People are asking for more transparency in information and there is a greater requirement for public private co-operation,” he said.

>kurmanath.kanchi@thehindu.co.in

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