The concept

The goal of the Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) of the Department of Science and Technology is to strengthen local level spatial planning with specific focus on the application of geo-informatics. Application of geo-informatics for local area problem solving in West Bengal is a sub-programme under YSA through which NRDMS has planned to create awareness about the application of geo-informatics (mapping, remote sensing and GPS) among schoolchildren for solving local problems.
Under the programme, 40 schools from four districts in the state—Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur and Jalpaiguri—were selected. Students of these schools were trained under the programme in a number of ways like capacity building, training in the use of scientific tools etc. At the end of the programme, they were expected to read, create maps and help chalk out development plans.