A one-day workshop on Geo-Spatial Applications for Natural Resource Management in Meghalaya was conducted by the GIS LAB under the Centre of Excellence, MBMA on the 18th November, 2022 .
The workshop was aimed to create an awareness about different geo-spatial applications for natural resource management being done by different departments and how we all as a community of the stake holders can complement and supplement each other for the larger benefits for the State. The workshop also aims to provide a platform for interaction between the GIS analysts within the MBDA family particularly at the District units and also with experts from other departments and institutions.
Participating guest in the unique gathering present were Dr. S Ashutosh, Retd. IFS, Director & Co-chairman of CoE, MBDA/MBMA, Prof. O. P. Singh, Dept. of Environment, NEHU, Dr. M. Stalin, Director SOI, Prof H Syiemlieh, Dept. of Geography, NEHU and Shri Gunanka DB, IFS, Executive Director MBDA & Addt. Prroject Director-CLLMP/MegLIFE. The other participants includes officials from NESAC, ESRI India, Forest Department of Meghalaya, Soil & Water Conservation Dept of Meghalaya, Water Resource Dept of Meghalaya, Agricultural Dept of Meghalaya, ADCs from Khasi and Jaintia Hills, NIC, MOEF & CC, NEHU and MBDA/MBMA.
The workshop concluded with the discussions and suggestions from panellist and attendees such as all departments are to list the spatial data they possessed and activities done by them, MBDA will volunteer to host similar workshop on ‘Geo Spatial Applications” from time to time, every department to identify and select a nodal person to represent the GIS team, to develop a proper mechanism for regular meetings and workshops on geo-spatial technologies & activities, to collaborate between different department, to request Planning department to frame guidelines and protocols for sharing geo-spatial data and information and lastly a proposal to set up a State Spatial Data Infrastructure for spatial data depository.
It is intended that the above workshop would create wide awareness in the Departments and individuals associated with the natural resource management, environment, conservation and developmental activities about the use of spatial data in the State. It is proposed that the data from the database would be shared with others in soft and hard copies with a sharing framework in place.