The Hindu 27.11.2009
Delhi gets new geo-portal for urban planning
Staff Reporter
| Information Technology Department develops Spatial Data Infrastructure |
- Photo: R.V. Moorthy 
Public utilities: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurating the Jeevan Facility System at the Delhi Pavilion in the ongoing Trade Fair in the Capital on Thursday.
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated the Delhi State Spatial Data Infrastructure Project at the Delhi Pavilion in the ongoing India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan here on Thursday.
The geo-portal with geo-spatial data of the Capital has been developed by the Information Technology Department of the Delhi Government.
Describing the portal as unique and the first of its kind in the country, Ms. Dikshit said the project would set new benchmarks in urban management in the country.
It will make underground and overground utilities in digital form accessible to over 30 departments.
“The whole range of spatial and attribute data will be accessible through a geo-portal that will function as a single window through which associated bodies can access information and decision-support systems. The portal will provide access to the line departments of the Delhi Government like the New Delhi Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority and Delhi Police besides Union and State government bodies,” she added.
Ms. Dikshit said the portal would incorporate 3D modelling of the entire range of public utilities in the Capital including pipelines for water supply, sewerage systems, telephone and electricity cables under ground and overground, and community centres, apart from education institutions, hospitals and a wide range of other physical structures dedicated to the delivery of different services.
The availability of underground utilities in digital form will enable the line department concerned to undertake maintenance programmes as well as locate faults in the system with precision.
“The system will provide a clear vision for urban planning and easy monitoring of ownership of properties, tenancy and land use apart from providing greater preparedness for disaster management. Our government will be the first in the country to boast a comprehensive and up-to-data land information system that houses land records and property up to the level of individual building units. This would provide accurate information on ownership rights, restrictions and responsibilities linked to the land and help in de-congesting the city,” said Ms. Dikshit.
The Chief Minister said the new platform would also help in planning of commercial establishments like hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and parks.
“In this, the spatial data will be of special value to promoters of such establishments. The project also provides for installation of wireless cameras at different points in the city to facilitate monitoring of these areas. Such monitoring will have multiple benefits such as efficient traffic management and keeping a check on anti-social activities.”
Single-window service
The Chief Minister also inaugurated other services like railway tickets booking, collection of LIC premium and MTNL phone connections through “Jeevan” kiosks, a Delhi Government single-window service initiative.
She informed that 250 Jeevan kiosks are operational in the Capital right now and the number would go up to more than 500 in the coming years.
