Kirtads to to take up GIS mapping of Tribals

KOZHIKODE:  In an era when Geographic Information System (GIS) is being used quite commonly in almost all areas of the development nowadays, Kerala Institute of Research Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Tribes (KIRTADS) here is planning to carryout the GIS mapping of all tribal communities in the state.The implementation of the project would help in the marking of the entire geographic system of the tribals and will provide valuable information on the culture, tradition and the living status of 38 Adivasi communities in the state.As part of the project, KIRTADS has already carried out the mapping of seven tribal communities including the Koraga, Kattunayakan, Cholanaickan, Kurumbas and Kadar.Speaking to the Express KIRTADS Director in Charge Mani Bhooshan said: “As a pilot project we had done GIS mapping of the Kurumbar tribal settlements at Attapaddy and  Hill Pulayas in the Idukki a couple of years back with the help of Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS). Later we decided to do the mapping  ourself. The present GIS mapping is a blend of the new technology with the traditional knowledge of the tribals. Apart from accelerating the development activities of these areas, GIS would help us to know more about them.”The project assumes importance in the wake of union governments proposed new forest act which provides extensive control to the people residing in the forests. The implementation of the GIS technology would help in having easy access to the forest areas particularly the vulnerable tribal groups living in the interior forests in the state.Apart from this, it would also provide details of the ecology especially the data on the flora and fauna of these areas and make the tribal life sustainable. After the successful mapping of some of the tribal communities, KIRTADS is now planning to  submit a report to the state government for carrying out the GIS mapping of the rest of the tribal communities in the state. “We will submit a proposal to the concerned ministry. As of now we have mapped five communities using the normal plan fund. For furthering the mapping activity to other hamlets more funds and work force are needed”, the Director added.