ITANAGAR, 6 Aug: Governor KT Parnaik emphasised that geographic information system (GIS) technology must become a cornerstone of governance in Arunachal Pradesh, enabling informed decision-making, efficient service delivery and sustainable development.
Participating in a ‘Geo Vision Itanagar’ seminar organised here by the Esri India on Thursday, Parnaik said that the state’s unique geographical characteristics, comprising rugged mountains, dense forests, dispersed settlements and extensive international borders, demand innovative and technology-driven solutions.
“In such a context, geospatial intelligence is not merely a technological tool but an essential instrument for effective governance,” he said.
Outlining a strategic roadmap for the future and stating that it is imperative that departments switch to the GIS platform, the governor advocated establishment of a state geospatial governance platform that integrates data from major departments, including Revenue, Planning, Rural Development, Public Works, Forest, Agriculture, Disaster Management and Power. He said that a unified geospatial ecosystem would facilitate seamless information sharing, improve coordination among departments, eliminate duplication of efforts, and promote evidence-based policymaking.
The governor identified land survey as one of the most critical areas requiring geospatial intervention. He stressed the need to accelerate GIS-based cadastral surveys, digitisation of land records, and implementation of the unique land parcel identification number (ULPIN) system.
“Reliable and transparent land information would help resolve disputes, expedite infrastructure projects, improve public trust, and create a more investment-friendly environment,” he said.
Highlighting the role of GIS in infrastructure and border area development, the governor recommended extensive use of drone-based mapping and geospatial monitoring for roads, bridges, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, power networks and strategic infrastructure. He said that real-time monitoring can improve project execution, strengthen accountability, and support initiatives such as the Vibrant Villages Programme in the frontier region.
Parnaik also emphasised the importance of leveraging GIS for disaster preparedness and climate resilience. He called for closer collaboration among the Arunachal Pradesh State Application Centre (APSAC), disaster management agencies and district administrations to develop advanced hazard mapping and early warning systems.
“Such measures would enhance preparedness against floods, landslides, earthquakes, and glacial lake outburst floods, helping protect communities and critical assets,” he said.
Referring to emerging technologies, the governor highlighted the transformative potential of GeoAI, digital twins, drone analytics, and mobile GIS. He said that these innovations are enabling governments to move beyond conventional mapping towards predictive analysis and real-time decision support, making governance more proactive, efficient and citizen-centric.
The governor further said that geospatial technology can significantly strengthen key sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry, biodiversity conservation, healthcare, and urban planning. “GIS-based suitability analysis can help identify ideal locations for high-value crops such as kiwi, apple, orange, walnut and large cardamom, thereby enhancing productivity and improving farmers’ livelihoods,” he said.
The governor also highlighted the role of geospatial intelligence in supporting social initiatives, including the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign, through identification of vulnerable areas and targeted interventions.
“Additionally, GIS-enabled dashboards can provide transparent and real-time insights into the progress of developmental projects, ensuring better utilisation of public resources,” he said.
Appreciating Esri India for organising the seminar, Parnaik expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute to building a technologically advanced, environmentally responsible and future-ready Arunachal.
He urged all stakeholders to embrace data-driven governance and harness GIS as a powerful enabler of transparency, accountability and inclusive development, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
A large number of senior officials of the state government, district police officers, technologists, planners, administrators and industry experts participated in the seminar.
The Geo Vision Itanagar seminar highlighted the transformative potential of GIS, GeoAI and drone technologies in strengthening governance and accelerating development in Arunachal. Experts from Esri India presented the concept of ‘Arunachal One’, a unified geospatial platform for integrated planning and decision-making across departments.
Discussions focused on applications in land records, agriculture, forestry, disaster management, border security, smart policing, and utility management.
The seminar also showcased advanced tools for real-time data analysis and capacity building, emphasising how geospatial technology can enable transparent, efficient and citizen-centric governance for a future-ready Arunachal. (Lok Bhavan)
