With the help of geospatial technology, it is possible to generate and update information about natural resources, in spatial format, at much more frequent intervals, so enabling proper inventory and management of natural resources, said P. Subbian, Registrar, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU).

Inaugurating a 21-day summer training on “Geospatial Technologies and Applications” at TNAU, he said the Indian geospatial industry’s current annual productive capacity was nearly Rs. 4,000 crore.

A large number of cities across the country continue to function without a Master Plan, despite the Centre offering funds to carry out the exercise and the recognised benefits of a plan. The Union Urban Development Ministry on Wednesday claimed that only 24 per cent of the total cities and towns have a Master Plan.

Secretary Urban Development, Sudhir Krishna used Delhi and its water-logged roads as an illustration of just how important a Master Plan is for a city. “The Master Plan should include information on all the crucial aspects of a city, for instance the natural drain network.

The State Forest Department will spend nearly Rs. 6 crore for maintenance of degraded plantations raised on 47,000 hectares and carry out buffer zone activities in 230 villages this year.

Along with activities under infrastructure improvement, forestry extension, research, monitoring and evaluation and GIS, the buffer zone activities will be carried out this year under Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project (Phase II). The project is being implemented from 2005-06 to 2012-13 with an outlay of Rs. 567 crore in 950 villages (800 under Japan International Cooperation Agency and 150 under State funds).

By its own admission, 40 per cent of the water supplied by Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is non-revenue water. Now, the DJB is finally set to launch its ambitious project to plug revenue losses.

JAIPUR: Climate change, the greatest global challenge, is already a reality for the farmers of Rajasthan. It is increasing the pressure on already scarce resources and if proper measures are not taken, migration towards the cities will soon reach new heights.

According to the Rajasthan State Action Plan on Climate Change (RAPCC) report by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board prepared with the help of a multi-disciplinary team of experts from TERI with support from GIZ says, 'enough is already known to start action'. And more than the factual situation the action plan that the report suggests is a writing on the wall for farmers.