Day 2: Workshop on Spatial Planning for G- Governance

Internationally reputed panellists discuss various aspects of the Geoinformation Technology

Vijay Bakaya, Ex-Chief Secretary and Member of the J&K Legislative Council Dr. Bhoop singh today chaired a technical Session of the Workshop titled “ SDI, societal, on day 2 of the Workshop on Spatial Planning for G- Governance being organized by the Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of Kashmir. Director Science and Technology was the Co-Chair of the session. Six invited presentations were made in Technical Session of the Workshop. Dr. Mark Sorensen, of the Global Planning Collaborative (GPC), USA delivered the first Keynote Speech titled “From Mapping Tool to Societal Infra-structure-the growth and evolution of GIS and SDI”. He highlighted the various methods useful for assessing the basic natural resources, their potential and strategies useful for their proper utilization and management and emphasized on the need for co-operative and collaborative attitude to assess data needs and requirements of the users. Dr. Shakil A. Romshoo, from the Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of Kashmir delivered a talk on ‘Spatial data integration: A necessity for enabling informed spatial planning” . He demonstrated how the geospatial technology is being used in the state for generating data and knowledge infrastructure for societal applications. He showed case studies on application of GIS for carrying capacity of Lidder valley, Wetland information system, Climate change and degradation vulnerability. Dr. Ummer from INFORMA, Dubai delivered a talk on “Location: Vital Components in G-governance challenges in collection, storage and update”. Dr Ummer highlighted the various aspects of knowledge and its application, societal problems, data maps and action plans that are either operative or are in need to be made operative in future. Dr. Bhoop singh, Director S&T, GOI, demonstrated the use of 3D realistic GIS mapping of the National Capital region of Delhi. Mr. Lokesh Chopra from SAPPHIRE delivered a talk on “Spatial Technology in Health Sector: A PPP initiative”. He talked about the importance of Private public partnership (PPP) for using GIS in the health sector. Each of the invited talks was followed by question-answer session. Particularly the participants were interested to know how the Geoinformation Technology could be used to improve the planning process in the state. Sector specific issues were raised by the participants from various state government agencies, NGOs and the academia. A number of Technical sessions and a plenary session are programmed for the concluding 4^th and 5^th sessions. The Inaugural function of the National Workshop on “Spatial Planning for G-Governance”, was yesterday chaired by the Member Parliament and former Union Minister, Government of India, and was attended by the large number of participants from state government, academia, civil society and the industry. The Workshop has brought all the key people involved in GIS promotion, planners, NGOs and the academia on one arena and shall facilitate exchange of ideas among all these stakeholders to develop a strategy for the use of GIS for good governance in the state.

(In Photo) Dr. Mark Sorensen, of the Global Planning Collaborative (GPC) , USA delivering the first Keynote Speech titled “From Mapping Tool to Societal Infra-structure-the growth and evolution of GIS and SDI” at the 2 day national workshop on g governence at KU