Advisor, UT Ladakh, Umang Narula reviewed the progress report of the Geo-Ladakh Project and other projects undertaken by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) in Ladakh on June 15.
 
The meeting apprised the Advisor about the 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. 
 
Advisor was also apprised about the Geo-LADAKH Portal that provides geospatial data visualization and analytics for UT-Ladakh, consisting of a Spatial viewer, Carbon Neutrality, 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. While discussing Sea-buckthorn’s potential in Ladakh, he urged them to explore the prospects of other local crops.
 
Principal Secretary, Planning and Revenue Department, Dr. 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 Dept; Technical Director, NIC, Ladakh; Deputy Director, Planning Dept, Ladakh; and concerned officials.