Reported by Mrinal Kanti Banik
Agartala: In a move aimed at modernizing forest administration, the Tripura government has rolled out a new geospatial monitoring platform designed to provide real-time oversight of forestry activities and assets across the state.
The application, called Forestry Integrated Geospatial Solution (FIGS), was launched to strengthen monitoring mechanisms within the Forest Department and improve the management of natural resources. The platform will digitally map and track plantations, nurseries, check dams and other forest-related infrastructure.
Announcing the initiative on Saturday, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma said the technology-driven system would enable officials at every level of the department to access and monitor field operations through a common digital interface.
He noted that the department had previously relied on field reports, photographs and manually submitted updates to assess activities on the ground. With the introduction of FIGS, authorities will now be able to monitor projects and assets in real time, allowing for faster assessment and better-informed decisions.
According to Debbarma, the application will also support scientific planning by helping officials identify suitable sites for plantation drives and determine the most appropriate species for different locations based on available geospatial data.
The minister expressed optimism that the platform would significantly enhance forest governance and resource management over the coming months if implemented effectively throughout the state.
Officials associated with the project said the system is expected to streamline coordination between field-level staff and headquarters by offering a unified platform for reporting, monitoring and evaluation.
The launch of FIGS is part of Tripura’s broader effort to leverage technology in improving environmental management and strengthening the protection and development of forest resources.