MUMBAI: To accelerate futuristic development, streamline planning processes, and drive Maharashtra toward a one-trillion-dollar economy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the establishment of MahaTech. This institution will integrate geospatial and information technology to strengthen governance and development initiatives.
A meeting on geospatial technology was held at the Legislature office under CM Fadnavis’ chairmanship. During the session, Chief Conservator of Forests Ravikiran Govekar gave a presentation on the application of geospatial and space technology in administration. The presentation also covered the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), an autonomous institution under the Central Government, and the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Center (MRSAC).
For citizen-centric and transparent governance, as well as to enhance the pace of development, geospatial information must be integrated into planning, asset management, and other government operations. The use of space technology will be crucial in this regard, and MahaTech will play a key role. Initially, BISAG-N will be engaged as a consultant to help set up MahaTech. CM Fadnavis emphasized that integrating MahaTech, IT, and MRSAC will accelerate development through coordinated efforts across all departments.
The Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Center (MRSAC) has long been leveraging space technology for natural resource management, urban development, and transformation initiatives in the state. While MRSAC possesses a vast amount of data, its effective utilization requires strengthening its centers in Nagpur and Pune. CM Fadnavis instructed that a dedicated space in Nagpur be allocated for MRSAC and that a modern sub-center be established in Mumbai.
Additionally, CM Fadnavis directed the Planning Department to create a dedicated cell for expanding the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti scheme in Maharashtra.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning Department Rajgopal Deora, Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department Milind Mhaiskar, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department Saurabh Vijay, Principal Secretary of the Information Technology Department Parag Jain Nanutiya, and Secretary of the Industries Department P. Anbalagan.