Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, June 15: Advisor, UT Ladakh, Umang Narula reviewed the progress of the projects for which the MoU was signed between the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) and the UT Administration on January 1, 2022.
The Advisor took a detailed review of the presentation prepared by the Director, and officials from IIRS on the Geo-Ladakh Project. They briefed the Advisor on project objectives, goals, and achievements, ecological studies related to key plant species, water resources availability, food hazard, modeling/forecast of renewable energy, solar energy potential estimation, mineral prospects, studies on Red lake, and demonstration of Geo-Ladakh portal. While discussing Seabuckthorn’s potential in Ladakh, he urged them to explore the prospects of other local crops.
Advisor, Narula also enquired about the Geo-Ladakh Portal. He was apprised by the IIRS officials that Geo-Ladakh Portal provides geospatial data visualisation and analytics for UT-Ladakh, consisting of Spatial viewer, Carbon Neutrality, and Geospatial utility mapping and Geo-Tourism.
While reviewing the water resource availability, the Advisor directed the officials to find possible solutions for water shortage and other options for drought-prone areas.
Principal Secretary, Planning and Revenue Department, Pawan Kotwal stated that Geo-Tourism is a promising concept for the sustainable livelihood for the locals as it fosters community involvement and local businesses to provide a distinctive, authentic visitor experience.
The Principal Secretary also urged the IIRS officials to set up a particular cell in UT Ladakh to train and orient people. He also suggested having frequent interactions in the future.
The meeting was also attended by Chief Engineer, PWD, Ladakh; Director, Planning Deptt; Technical Director, NIC, Ladakh; Deputy Director, Planning Deptt, Ladakh; and concerned officials.