Y Kikheto Sema urged greater use of NGISRSC's geospatial expertise, promoted drone innovation, and called for a comprehensive solar power assessment during his visit to the centre.
DIMAPUR — Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema visited the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC), Kohima, on July 23 and interacted with the officers and staff of the centre.
During the interaction, Kikheto appreciated the significant work carried out by NGISRSC and commended the centre for developing an extensive geospatial database and strong technical expertise that have contributed to informed decision-making and sustainable development in the state, a DIPR report stated.
He emphasised that state government departments should make greater use of the expertise, infrastructure and technical capabilities available at NGISRSC for implementing central and state-sponsored programmes instead of relying extensively on external agencies.
Kikheto also suggested undertaking a comprehensive assessment of Nagaland's solar power generation potential, integrated with the existing and proposed power-grid network, to support efficient and sustainable energy planning.
Appreciating the state-of-the-art facilities at the Drone Centre of Excellence, he highlighted the sector's potential for employment and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged the centre to expand its skill-development programmes to create opportunities for Nagaland's youth as remote pilots, drone technicians, geospatial survey professionals, instructors and entrepreneurs.
He further stressed the need to promote research, innovation, indigenous drone design and in-house manufacturing to develop drone systems suited to Nagaland's unique terrain and operational requirements.
Such initiatives, he said, would strengthen technological self-reliance and help position Nagaland as a regional hub for drone technology, training, innovation and services.
Senior Project Director, NGISRSC, Mhathung Kithan, presented an overview of the centre's mandate, achievements and contributions towards evidence-based planning and sustainable development through the application of geospatial technologies.
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He highlighted major initiatives undertaken by the centre, including state-wide village resource mapping, hydropower potential assessment, urban mapping up to building footprints, landslide hazard zonation, aquatic resource mapping, traffic studies and other thematic geospatial projects.
Officials also briefed the Development Commissioner on the activities of the Drone Centre of Excellence–Drone School.
They informed that the centre conducts training programmes in FPV drone operations, drone repair and maintenance, drone GIS mapping and drone cinematography.
According to the officials, 58 personnel have been trained so far, while DGCA-certified drone training courses are expected to commence in August 2026.
During the visit, Kikheto toured the centre's training facilities, drone assembly laboratory, prototyping unit, and repair and maintenance laboratory.
He was also briefed on the complete lifecycle of drone development and operations, including design, assembly, testing, deployment, servicing and maintenance.