The Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre has significantly strengthened evidence-based planning and sustainable development in the state through the extensive use of geospatial technologies. The Centre’s key initiatives include statewide Village Resource Mapping, assessment of hydropower potential, urban mapping down to the building-footprint level, landslide hazard zonation, aquatic resource mapping, traffic studies, and several other thematic geospatial projects.
Nagaland Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema recently visited the Centre and interacted with the Centre’s experts, officials, and staff. Sema appreciated the significant work carried out by the Centre and commended it for developing an extensive geospatial database and strong technical expertise, which have contributed substantially to informed decision-making and sustainable development across the state.
The Principal Secretary emphasized that various state government departments should make greater use of the expertise, infrastructure, and technical capabilities available at the Centre for implementing both Central and state-sponsored programmes. He suggested undertaking a comprehensive assessment of Nagaland’s solar power generation potential, integrated with the existing and proposed power-grid network, to facilitate efficient, scientific, and sustainable energy planning.
Sema also highlighted the immense employment and entrepreneurship opportunities emerging in the drone sector, appreciating the state-of-the-art facilities established at the Drone Centre of Excellence. He encouraged the Centre to expand its skill-development programmes to create employment opportunities for the youth of Nagaland as remote pilots, drone technicians, geospatial survey professionals, instructors, and entrepreneurs.
The Principal Secretary stressed the need to promote research, innovation, indigenous drone design, and in-house manufacturing to develop drone systems tailored to Nagaland’s unique terrain and operational requirements. This would strengthen technological self-reliance while helping position Nagaland as a regional hub for drone technology, training, innovation, and related services.
During the visit, Sema was briefed on the activities of the Drone Centre of Excellence–Drone School, including various training programmes and DGCA-certified drone training courses scheduled to commence in August 2026. He toured the Centre’s training facilities, drone assembly laboratory, prototyping unit, and repair and maintenance laboratory.
