Ministry Of Mines Unveils Portal For Innovative Geoscience Exploration

The Ministry of Mines marked a historic moment with the launch of the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal. This initiative, spearheaded by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), is poised to revolutionize access to critical geoscience data.

Dignitaries at the NGDR Portal Launch Ceremony in New Delhi

• The ceremony, held in New Delhi, was graced by the presence of Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi, along with Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve, Minister of State for Coal, Mines, and Railways.

NGDR Portal: Revolutionizing Geospatial Information Management

• The NGDR Portal stands as a comprehensive online platform designed to facilitate the access, sharing, and analysis of geospatial information across the entire nation. The initiative aims to democratize crucial geoscience data, providing stakeholders in various industries and academia with unprecedented access to invaluable resources.

Key Features of NGDR Portal:

• Comprehensive Access: The portal serves as a one-stop solution for accessing a wide array of geospatial information, streamlining the process for users across different sectors.
• Sharing Platform: NGDR encourages collaboration and information exchange by providing a centralized platform for sharing geoscience data.
• Analytical Capabilities: Users can leverage the portal for in-depth analysis of geospatial information, fostering informed decision-making in diverse fields.

About Geological Survey of India (GSI)

• The GSI, established in 1851 with the primary mission of identifying coal deposits for the Railways, has evolved into a repository of geo-science information of international repute.
• Its functions encompass creating and updating national geoscientific information, mineral resource assessment, and offering impartial geological expertise.
• GSI plays a pivotal role in supporting policy decisions, commercial endeavors, and socio-economic needs. Headquartered in Kolkata, it operates through regional and state unit offices strategically placed across the country.

About BISAG-N: Empowering Geo-spatial Technology Development

• Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) operates as an Autonomous Scientific Society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
• With a focus on technology development, research, and capacity building, BISAG-N integrates geo-spatial science, information science system, and mathematics science system to offer cutting-edge solutions.
• The institute actively engages in facilitating national and international cooperation, fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise. BISAG-N prioritizes open-source technologies, ensuring cost-efficient delivery of geo-spatial solutions.

Strategic Collaboration for Geoscience Advancement

• The collaboration between GSI and BISAG-N in the NGDR initiative underscores the commitment to advancing geoscience knowledge and making it accessible to a diverse range of stakeholders. The NGDR Portal is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the future of geospatial information management in India.

Summary

• The Ministry of Mines, led by Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, launched the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal in New Delhi,  marking a significant step in democratizing geoscience data access.
• NGDR is an online platform facilitating comprehensive access, sharing, and analysis of geospatial information across India, empowering stakeholders in various industries and academia with unprecedented resources.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N) spearheaded the NGDR initiative, showcasing a commitment to advancing geoscience knowledge and accessibility.
• GSI, established in 1851, has evolved into an internationally reputed repository of geo-science information, focusing on national geoscientific information creation, mineral resource assessment, and providing impartial geological expertise.
• BISAG-N, an Autonomous Scientific Society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, actively engages in technology development, research, and cost-efficient delivery of geo-spatial solutions, playing a crucial role in the NGDR initiative.