Three-Day Training on Geospatial Technologies for Real-Time Monitoring and Implementation of WDC–PMKSY 2.0 Concludes at SICUN, Assam Lingzey
Gangtok, October 30, 2025: A three-day training and capacity-building programme on “Use of Geospatial Technologies in Real-Time Monitoring and Implementation of WDC–PMKSY 2.0 Scheme” was successfully conducted from 28th to 30th October 2025 at SICUN, Assam Lingzey, jointly organized by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC), Guwahati and NRSC, Hyderabad, with support of the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Government of India, and the Forest and Environment Department, Government of Sikkim.
The inaugural session was attended by Shri Nischal Gautam, Additional Director-cum-Chief Executive Officer, State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), Forest and Environment Department, Government of Sikkim. In his keynote address, Shri Gautam highlighted the challenges arising from Sikkim’s limited cultivable land and the implications this poses for future agricultural productivity. He emphasized the need to increase productive land for farmers by converting steep terrains and slopes into cultivable areas. He also underscored the importance of promoting horticulture to ensure the availability of locally grown organic fruits under the project, aligning such initiatives with the State Government’s vision of a Sunaulo, Samriddh, ani Samarth Sikkim (Golden, Prosperous, and Self-Reliant Sikkim).
During the technical sessions, Shri B. Shyam Sunder, Scientist ‘G’, National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO, (Watershed Division) delivered an insightful presentation on the Bhuvan Mobile Application, developed by ISRO for real-time monitoring of field activities under watershed projects. He demonstrated how this user-friendly platform enhances transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in project implementation and monitoring.
Dr. A. Simhachalam, Course Director from NIRD&PR–NERC, introduced participants to the principles and applications of Remote Sensing and GIS, highlighting their role in effective watershed planning, springshed management, and natural resource conservation. His sessions provided practical insights into data interpretation, spatial analysis, and integration of GIS tools for improved decision-making.
Over 40 participants comprising of staff and Officials under PMKSY WDC-2.0 representing project areas like Soreng 1, 2 & 3; Namchi 1 and 2; Gyalshing 1; and Pakyong WDC 1 attended the training, along with programme coordinators, GIS and MIS experts, and officials from Forest and Environment Department.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion, quiz and feedback session, where participants expressed that the training had greatly enhanced their understanding of real-time monitoring and geospatial applications. Many shared that the sessions helped resolve long-standing operational challenges and equipped them to apply the learnings effectively in their respective districts. They also emphasized the need for continued capacity-building programmes to further strengthen the use of geospatial technologies in sustainable watershed and natural resource management.
The three-day training marked an important step toward fostering data-driven, transparent, and result-oriented watershed development in Sikkim.
