A CLICK AWAY What is GIS A computer system capable of integrating, storing, editing, analysing, sharing and displaying geographically- referenced information Why use GIS Find out tax rates and dues and pay tax, procure trade licences, obtain birth and death certificates, register complaints and download different application forms (for tender, water connection, building extension, etc.) How to use GIS Initially, the data will be available free of cost across the counter at the borough offices connected to a central server. Later, the information can be accessed, again free of cost, through touch screen terminals to be set up in the borough offices

Siliguri, Jan. 24: Three months to go before the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) adopts the Geographical Information System (GIS).

Officials of the civic body and experts at Calcutta Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) confirmed that work was on in full swing and the system would be introduced in all the 47 wards from April this year.

“We have detailed information on around 70,000 households. The preparation of a digital base map with this data is under progress and would be completed soon,” said Tapash Ghatak, a senior geophysicist leading the environment cell of the CMDA, over phone from Calcutta.

Ghatak said the GIS mapping was being done in three phases. In the first stage, the base map was prepared containing details of holdings, plots and related infrastructure like health.

The second phase involves computerisation of various civic functions with the introduction of specialised software with the help of a central server. Once this is complete, officials of the civic body can use it for tax assessment and renewal of trade licences.

“We started working for the introduction of GIS in Siliguri about one-and-a-half years ago. We are now in the second phase. The software has been incorporated and trial runs are on before the final launch,” said Samir Banerjee, the chief executive officer of the SMC. “By the end of this month or in February, a seven-day training programme will be held for our staff.”

In the final phase, the server would be connected to borough offices, where people can go for tax payments, ask for birth and death certificates and trade licences, download forms and even lodge complaints (see chart).

“Computers and landline connections are ready at the five borough offices. Once there is connectivity, the task of data entry will start,” a CMDA official. “Data on property assessment will also be uploaded in the GIS database as and when it is completed.”

The final touch, however, will be the touch-screen kiosks, to be set up in these offices. “People can access the details through these screens. The information will be constantly updated,” the official added.

Banerjee said a comprehensive and updated database under the GIS would not only reduce workload but also contribute during planning sessions.”