400 towns to be mapped by 3D GIS in next 5 yrs

New Delhi, Feb 13 (UNI) As many as 400 towns in the country will be mapped by the 3D geographic information technology (GIS) in the next five years which will help in checking illegal construction, disaster management, traffic planning and management of utilities such as water pipelines and sewer lines.

''We are committed to mapping 400 towns in India in the next five years,'' Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal announced at a joint press conference with Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy here today.

''We have not spoken to any mega city yet, but will contact them in due course,'' Mr Reddy said.

Mr Sibal said they wanted to commericalise the data within the next six months.

''A special Purpose Vehicle would be created bringing all stakeholders together. The data would then be given to the private sector through licence. The data will also be shared by security agencies and the Home Ministry,'' he said.

''The GIS will be a bigger revolution than information technology, with India leading the way,'' Mr Sibal said.

With the help from a Russian agency, the Science and Technology Ministry has already mapped the entire Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi using a high-resolution satellite imaging over a 20 km area.

The database consists of camera imaging of streets, lanes, bylanes and more than 10,000 buildings in the area.

''The photo data helps in checking illegal construction in the area,'' Mr Reddy said and added that the entire Delhi would be mapped in the next 12-18 months.

The technology, he added, will also help in finalising the zonal plans quickly.

''In pursuant to the notification of Master Plan of Delhi- 2021, we are gearing up for the efficient, stringent and time-bound implementation of the Plan, and the GIS technology will help in achieving that,'' he said.

The cost of mapping Chandni Chowk was about Rs three crore and the entire Delhi would be about Rs 300 crore.

At present, the data will be used by the DDA and the MCD to check illegal construction, but could later be used by other departments for disaster management, reducing power transmission losses, and management of traffic and public utilities, Mr Reddy said.

''We are going for the microzonal mapping of Delhi with the Union Urban Development Ministry, the DDA and the MCD as the user agencies,'' Mr Sibal said and added that Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had already accepted it.

To a question, he said Delhi High Court would approve of it.

''The Tourism Ministry has already evinced keen interest in using the data for their aganwadi workers,'' he added.

UNI