Ministry of Rural Development press release · 28 April 2026 · pibtracker filter

Global Experts Convene in New Delhi to Strengthen Geospatial Ecosystems and Land Governance

PRID2256207 MinistryMinistry of Rural Development Released28 April 2026 Reading12 min

Geospatial Systems Key to Future-Ready Governance: Shri Narendra Bhooshan at International Forum in New Delhi India Hosts Asia-Pacific Forum on Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Sustainable Development Posted On: 28 APR 2026 2:41PM by PIB Delhi Addressing the Technical Expert Forum on “Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Future-Ready Ecosystem”, Shri Narendra Bhooshan, Secretary, Department of Land Resources, emphasized that geospatial information has emerged as a critical public good supporting informed decision-making, resilient infrastructure, land governance, environmental management, urban planning, disaster response, and sustainable development. He highlighted that modern governance increasingly depends on accurate, interoperable, and reliable geospatial data systems to enable proactive and efficient decision-making across sectors such as agriculture, engineering, climate resilience, transport, and land administration. The Technical Expert Forum on “Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Future-Ready Ecosystem” was held at The Ashok, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, technical experts, and international delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the growing role of geospatial systems in governance, sustainable development, and public service delivery. The event was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Shri S.K. Sinha, Surveyor General of India, Dr. Victor Khoo, Director, Singapore Land Authority and Vice Chair, UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific Executive Board, and along with delegates from member countries and international organizations. The forum highlighted the importance of global frameworks developed under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), including the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF), Global Geodetic Reference Framework (GGRF), Global Statistical Geospatial Framework (GSGF), and Framework for Effective Land Administration (FELA). These frameworks provide countries with practical roadmaps for strengthening national geospatial ecosystems, improving institutional coordination, integrating data systems, and aligning with global best practices. Shri Narendra Bhooshan said that geospatial information is no longer merely a technical support tool for decision-making but is increasingly becoming central to governance. Across sectors such as climate, agriculture, engineering, urban development, infrastructure planning, and disaster response, accurate and interoperable geospatial systems are enabling governments to move toward proactive and efficient governance. Shri Narendra Bhooshan stated that India strongly values the role of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) in shaping global norms, frameworks, and cooperation. He added that India’s National Geospatial Policy marks an important milestone in building an open, interoperable, and innovation-driven geospatial ecosystem aligned with international best practices. India’s progress in geospatial reforms and land governance modernization was also highlighted during the session. Key initiatives such as the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), SVAMITVA, and NAKSHA were cited as examples of using drones, aerial surveys, digital mapping, and GIS platforms to improve land records, property ownership documentation, and planning in both rural and urban areas. The concept of an integrated Land Stack was also discussed as an emerging model for bringing together multiple land-related datasets into a unified GIS-enabled digital platform for improved governance and service delivery. Remarks by Other Distinguished Guests Earlier, Shri S.K. Sinha, Surveyor General of India, welcomed the participants and highlighted the growing role of geospatial information in infrastructure planning, land governance, service delivery, environmental management, and sustainable development. Dr. Victor Khoo emphasized the importance of structured and coordinated approaches to geospatial development and underlined the relevance of global frameworks such as IGIF and FELA. India’s Commitment to Regional Cooperation Delegates from the Asia-Pacific region emphasized the need for stronger cooperation in areas such as climate adaptation, disaster resilience, coastal vulnerability, urban expansion, agricultural sustainability, and modernization of land administration systems. The forum provided an important platform for exchange of experiences, technological innovations, and institutional best practices, while strengthening regional collaboration in advancing future-ready geospatial ecosystems. Concluding the session, participants expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute meaningfully toward building more integrated, interoperable, and citizen-centric geospatial systems across the region. **** RC/HR (Release ID: 2256207) Visitor Counter : 688 Read this release in: Urdu , हिन्दी Ministry of Rural Development Global Experts Convene in New Delhi to Strengthen Geospatial Ecosystems and Land Governance Geospatial Systems Key to Future-Ready Governance: Shri Narendra Bhooshan at International Forum in New Delhi India Hosts Asia-Pacific Forum on Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Sustainable Development Posted On: 28 APR 2026 2:41PM by PIB Delhi Addressing the Technical Expert Forum on “Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Future-Ready Ecosystem”, Shri Narendra Bhooshan, Secretary, Department of Land Resources, emphasized that geospatial information has emerged as a critical public good supporting informed decision-making, resilient infrastructure, land governance, environmental management, urban planning, disaster response, and sustainable development. He highlighted that modern governance increasingly depends on accurate, interoperable, and reliable geospatial data systems to enable proactive and efficient decision-making across sectors such as agriculture, engineering, climate resilience, transport, and land administration. The Technical Expert Forum on “Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Future-Ready Ecosystem” was held at The Ashok, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, technical experts, and international delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the growing role of geospatial systems in governance, sustainable development, and public service delivery. The event was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Shri S.K. Sinha, Surveyor General of India, Dr. Victor Khoo, Director, Singapore Land Authority and Vice Chair, UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific Executive Board, and along with delegates from member countries and international organizations. The forum highlighted the importance of global frameworks developed under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), including the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF), Global Geodetic Reference Framework (GGRF), Global Statistical Geospatial Framework (GSGF), and Framework for Effective Land Administration (FELA). These frameworks provide countries with practical roadmaps for strengthening national geospatial ecosystems, improving institutional coordination, integrating data systems, and aligning with global best practices. Shri Narendra Bhooshan said that geospatial information is no longer merely a technical support tool for decision-making but is increasingly becoming central to governance. Across sectors such as climate, agriculture, engineering, urban development, infrastructure planning, and disaster response, accurate and interoperable geospatial systems are enabling governments to move toward proactive and efficient governance. Shri Narendra Bhooshan stated that India strongly values the role of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) in shaping global norms, frameworks, and cooperation. He added that India’s National Geospatial Policy marks an important milestone in building an open, interoperable, and innovation-driven geospatial ecosystem aligned with international best practices. India’s progress in geospatial reforms and land governance modernization was also highlighted during the session. Key initiatives such as the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), SVAMITVA, and NAKSHA were cited as examples of using drones, aerial surveys, digital mapping, and GIS platforms to improve land records, property ownership documentation, and planning in both rural and urban areas. The concept of an integrated Land Stack was also discussed as an emerging model for bringing together multiple land-related datasets into a unified GIS-enabled digital platform for improved governance and service delivery. Remarks by Other Distinguished Guests Earlier, Shri S.K. Sinha, Surveyor General of India, welcomed the participants and highlighted the growing role of geospatial information in infrastructure planning, land governance, service delivery, environmental management, and sustainable development. Dr. Victor Khoo emphasized the importance of structured and coordinated approaches to geospatial development and underlined the relevance of global frameworks such as IGIF and FELA. India’s Commitment to Regional Cooperation Delegates from the Asia-Pacific region emphasized the need for stronger cooperation in areas such as climate adaptation, disaster resilience, coastal vulnerability, urban expansion, agricultural sustainability, and modernization of land administration systems. The forum provided an important platform for exchange of experiences, technological innovations, and institutional best practices, while strengthening regional collaboration in advancing future-ready geospatial ecosystems. Concluding the session, participants expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute meaningfully toward building more integrated, interoperable, and citizen-centric geospatial systems across the region. **** RC/HR (Release ID: 2256207) Geospatial Systems Key to Future-Ready Governance: Shri Narendra Bhooshan at International Forum in New Delhi India Hosts Asia-Pacific Forum on Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Sustainable Development" /> Addressing the Technical Expert Forum on “Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Future-Ready Ecosystem”, Shri Narendra Bhooshan, Secretary, Department of Land Resources, emphasized that geospatial information has emerged as a critical public good supporting informed decision-making, resilient infrastructure, land governance, environmental management, urban planning, disaster response, and sustainable development. He highlighted that modern governance increasingly depends on accurate, interoperable, and reliable geospatial data systems to enable proactive and efficient decision-making across sectors such as agriculture, engineering, climate resilience, transport, and land administration. <img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image001PND5.jpg" style="height:392px; width:780px" /> The Technical Expert Forum on “Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Future-Ready Ecosystem” was held at The Ashok, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, technical experts, and international delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the growing role of geospatial systems in governance, sustainable development, and public service delivery. The event was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Shri S.K. Sinha, Surveyor General of India, Dr. Victor Khoo, Director, Singapore Land Authority and Vice Chair, UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific Executive Board, and along with delegates from member countries and international organizations. The forum highlighted the importance of global frameworks developed under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), including the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF), Global Geodetic Reference Framework (GGRF), Global Statistical Geospatial Framework (GSGF), and Framework for Effective Land Administration (FELA). These frameworks provide countries with practical roadmaps for strengthening national geospatial ecosystems, improving institutional coordination, integrating data systems, and aligning with global best practices. <img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image002OSTJ.jpg" style="height:435px; width:785px" /> Shri Narendra Bhooshan said that geospatial information is no longer merely a technical support tool for decision-making but is increasingly becoming central to governance. Across sectors such as climate, agriculture, engineering, urban development, infrastructure planning, and disaster response, accurate and interoperable geospatial systems are enabling governments to move toward proactive and efficient governance. Shri Narendra Bhooshan stated that India strongly values the role of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) in shaping global norms, frameworks, and cooperation. He added that India’s National Geospatial Policy marks an important milestone in building an open, interoperable, and innovation-driven geospatial ecosystem aligned with international best practices. India’s progress in geospatial reforms and land governance modernization was also highlighted during the session. Key initiatives such as the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), SVAMITVA, and NAKSHA were cited as examples of using drones, aerial surveys, digital mapping, and GIS platforms to improve land records, property ownership documentation, and planning in both rural and urban areas. The concept of an integrated Land Stack was also discussed as an emerging model for bringing together multiple land-related datasets into a unified GIS-enabled digital platform for improved governance and service delivery. Remarks by Other Distinguished Guests Earlier, Shri S.K. Sinha, Surveyor  General of India, welcomed the participants and highlighted the growing role of geospatial information in infrastructure planning, land governance, service delivery, environmental management, and sustainable development. Dr. Victor Khoo emphasized the importance of structured and coordinated approaches to geospatial development and underlined the relevance of global frameworks such as IGIF and FELA. India’s Commitment to Regional Cooperation Delegates from the Asia-Pacific region emphasized the need for stronger cooperation in areas such as climate adaptation, disaster resilience, coastal vulnerability, urban expansion, agricultural sustainability, and modernization of land administration systems. The forum provided an important platform for exchange of experiences, technological innovations, and institutional best practices, while strengthening regional collaboration in advancing future-ready geospatial ecosystems. Concluding the session, participants expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute meaningfully toward building more integrated, interoperable, and citizen-centric geospatial systems across the region. **** RC/HR " /> var mPlayer = document.getElementById("background_music"); var mPlayAction = document.getElementById("playbutton"); var isPlaying = false; function playAudio() { mPlayer.play(); isPlaying = true; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "none"; } function pauseAudio() { mPlayer.pause(); isPlaying = false; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "none"; } //function HandleAudio() { // if (isPlaying == true) { // //Playing already Pause it // pauseAudio(); // } else { // //Play the music // playAudio(); // } //} var synth = window.speechSynthesis; function CleanHtml(html) { html = html.replace(/ /gi, ''); return html; } function stripHtml(html) { let tmp = document.createElement("DIV"); tmp.innerHTML = CleanHtml(html); return tmp.textContent || tmp.innerText || ""; } $(document).ready(function () { //for responsive tables $("table").each(function () { if (!$(this).closest(".table-responsive").length) { $(this).wrap(" "); } }); var width = $(window).width(); if (width $(document).ready(function () { var width = $(window).width(); if (width @media print { .sticky-social, .sticky-social_mb, .pull-right, #printPDF { display: none !important; } } .f_vl { padding-right: 30px; font-size: 17px; cursor: pointer; } .log_oo { // width: 20%; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; } .log_oo img { width: 150px; /*width: 100%; height: auto;*/ } .sticky-social_mb { position: fixed; bottom: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 100%; } .social_mb { list-style: none; display: flex; width: 100%; margin-bottom: -8px; } .social_mb a { padding: 8px 0px; font-size: 30px; transition: all 0.8s ease-in-out; width: 20% !important; text-align: center; } .section1 { position: relative; padding: 10px 0px; 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font-weight: 600 !important; } } /* === Film Roll Badge Styling(IFFI2025 countdown) === */ .film-roll-badge { position: absolute; top:82%; right: 20px; width: 230px; height: 70px; background: repeating-linear-gradient( to right, #9a2375 0px, #9a2375 18px, #6e2b8b 18px, #6e2b8b 36px ); border-top: 8px solid #9a2375; border-bottom: 8px solid #9a2375; border-radius: 8px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4); animation: moveFilm 8s linear infinite; z-index: 10; } /* film sprocket holes */ .film-roll-badge::before, .film-roll-badge::after { content: ""; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 10px; background: repeating-linear-gradient( to right, #9a2375 0px, #9a2375 10px, #fff 10px, #fff 20px ); left: 0; z-index: 2; } .film-roll-badge::before { top: -4px; } .film-roll-badge::after { bottom: -4px; } .film-roll-inner { position: relative; height: 100%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; animation: flicker 2s infinite ease-in-out; } .countdown-text { font-size: 1.3rem; 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const festivalEnd = new Date("2025-11-28T23:59:59").getTime(); const countdownElement = document.getElementById("countdown"); const interval = setInterval(() => { const now = new Date().getTime(); // BEFORE FESTIVAL — show days + hours left if (now = festivalStart && now el.style.width = "350px"); clearInterval(interval); } }, 1000); //

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Global Experts Convene in New Delhi to Strengthen Geospatial Ecosystems and Land Governance

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