Ministry of Mines Launches NGDR Portal for Geospatial Data Access: 10 FAQs Answered

The Ministry of Mines recently celebrated a historic milestone with the launch of the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal. Spearheaded by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), this initiative promises to reshape how critical geoscience data is accessed and utilized. Here are 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to unravel the significance and features of the NGDR Portal.

FAQs:

1. What is the NGDR Portal, and why is it considered a historic moment? The NGDR Portal, launched by the Ministry of Mines, is a comprehensive online platform designed to democratize access to critical geoscience data. It is considered historic for its potential to revolutionize how stakeholders in various industries and academia access invaluable geospatial information.

2. Who were the dignitaries present at the NGDR Portal launch ceremony in New Delhi? The ceremony was graced by the presence of Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, responsible for Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, along with Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve, Minister of State for Coal, Mines, and Railways.

3. What are the key features of the NGDR Portal? The NGDR Portal serves as a one-stop solution for accessing a diverse range of geospatial information. It encourages collaboration through a centralized platform for sharing geoscience data and provides analytical capabilities for in-depth analysis, fostering informed decision-making.

4. What is the primary mission of the Geological Survey of India (GSI)? Established in 1851, GSI's primary mission was to identify coal deposits for the Railways. Over the years, it has evolved into an internationally reputed repository of geo-science information, focusing on national geoscientific information creation, mineral resource assessment, and impartial geological expertise.

5. What role does BISAG-N play in the NGDR initiative? 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. It actively engages in technology development, research, and cost-efficient delivery of geo-spatial solutions, playing a crucial role in the NGDR initiative.

6. How does the NGDR Portal facilitate comprehensive access to geospatial information? The portal acts as a centralized hub for accessing a wide array of geospatial information, streamlining the process for users across different sectors. It aims to empower stakeholders with unprecedented access to invaluable resources.

7. What strategic collaboration led to the NGDR initiative? The NGDR initiative is a result of collaboration between GSI and BISAG-N. This partnership underscores the commitment to advancing geoscience knowledge and making it accessible to a diverse range of stakeholders.

8. What is Minister Pralhad Joshi's vision for the NGDR initiative? Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized the initiative's significance in democratizing geoscience data access. He highlighted the need for a transformative role played by the NGDR Portal in shaping the future of geospatial information management in India.

9. How does the NGDR Portal encourage collaboration among users? By providing a centralized platform for sharing geoscience data, the NGDR Portal actively encourages collaboration and information exchange among users, fostering a community-driven approach to geospatial information management.

10. How does the NGDR initiative contribute to global advancements in geoscience knowledge? The NGDR initiative, with its collaborative approach and comprehensive access features, is poised to contribute significantly to global advancements in geoscience knowledge. It aligns with international efforts to make critical geospatial information accessible for sustainable development.