Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Mines is set to launch the NGDR Portal in New Delhi, marking a significant step in harnessing and disseminating geospatial data.

 More about the news

• The NGDR initiative is jointly led by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), showcasing collaboration between geological and space technology entities.
• The NGDR Portal serves as a comprehensive online platform designed to facilitate the access, sharing, and analysis of geospatial information across the nation.
• It acts as a centralized repository for diverse geological and geospatial data, contributing to informed decision-making in various sectors.
• The NGDR Portal represents a significant leap forward in democratizing critical geoscience data, providing stakeholders from industries and academia unprecedented access to invaluable resources.
• This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing transparency, efficiency, and collaboration in geospatial data utilization.

Geological Survey of India (GSI)

• Founded in 1851, GSI boasts a rich legacy as an attached office of the Ministry of Mines, emphasizing its historical significance in geological research and resource assessment.
• Headquartered in Kolkata, GSI operates on a national scale, addressing the geological needs of India and its offshore regions.
• GSI is tasked with creating and updating national geoscientific information. It conducts mineral resource assessments, providing crucial data for the mining and minerals sector.
• Systematic documentation of geological processes, both surface and subsurface, contributes to a comprehensive understanding of India’s geological landscape.
• GSI employs various methodologies, including ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting, and multi-disciplinary studies encompassing geo-technical, geo-environmental, glaciology, and seismo-tectonics.

Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N)

• BISAG-N operates as an Autonomous Scientific Society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, affiliated with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
• BISAG-N is mandated to undertake technology development, research, and development in the realm of geo-spatial technology.
• It facilitates national and international cooperation, emphasizing collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Capacity building and support for technology transfer and entrepreneurship development further enhance the institute’s role in advancing geo-spatial technology.
• Situated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, BISAG-N strategically operates in a region known for its focus on technological advancements.