Itanagar, Aug 6: Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik on Thursday emphasized 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.
Addressing the 'Geo Vision Itanagar' Seminar here, organised by Esri India, the Governor said the state's unique geographical landscape—characterised by rugged mountains, dense forests, dispersed settlements and extensive international borders—requires innovative, technology-driven governance solutions.
He stressed that geospatial intelligence is no longer just a technological tool but an essential instrument for effective governance, and urged all government departments to transition to a GIS-based platform.
The Governor proposed the creation of a State Geospatial Governance Platform integrating data from key departments, including Revenue, Planning, Rural Development, Public Works, Forest, Agriculture, Disaster Management and Power. Such an integrated system, he said, would improve coordination, eliminate duplication of work, enable seamless information sharing and promote evidence-based policymaking.
Highlighting land management as a priority area, Parnaik called for faster GIS-based cadastral surveys, digitisation of land records and implementation of the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) system. Reliable land records would help resolve disputes, accelerate infrastructure projects and create a more investment-friendly environment, he said.
The Governor also advocated the use of drone-based mapping and geospatial monitoring for roads, bridges, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, power infrastructure and strategic projects, particularly in border areas. Real-time monitoring, he noted, would strengthen accountability and support initiatives such as the Vibrant Village Programme.
Emphasising disaster preparedness and climate resilience, he called for greater collaboration between the Arunachal Pradesh State Application Centre (APSAC), disaster management agencies and district administrations to develop advanced hazard mapping and early warning systems for floods, landslides, earthquakes and glacial lake outburst floods.
Referring to emerging technologies, the Governor highlighted the growing role of GeoAI, Digital Twins, drone analytics and mobile GIS in enabling predictive analysis and real-time decision-making, making governance more proactive, efficient and citizen-centric.
He further said geospatial technology could significantly strengthen sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry, biodiversity conservation, healthcare and urban planning. GIS-based suitability analysis, he added, can help identify ideal locations for high-value crops such as kiwi, apple, orange, walnut and large cardamom, boosting productivity and farmers' incomes.
The Governor also underscored the role of GIS in supporting social initiatives, including the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' campaign, by identifying vulnerable areas for targeted interventions. GIS-enabled dashboards, he said, would also enhance transparency by providing real-time monitoring of development projects.
Appreciating Esri India for organising the seminar, Parnaik expressed confidence that the deliberations would help build a technologically advanced, environmentally responsible and future-ready Arunachal Pradesh aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The seminar was attended by senior state government officials, district police officers, technologists, planners, administrators and industry experts.
Experts from Esri India showcased the concept of "Arunachal One," a unified geospatial platform designed to support integrated planning and decision-making across departments.
Discussions focused on applications of GIS, GeoAI and drone technologies in land records, agriculture, forestry, disaster management, border security, smart policing and utility management, highlighting their potential to enhance transparent and citizen-centric governance across the state.