Karnataka is on the cusp of launching its Spatial Information Repository (SIR) within a week, pending final approval from the Election Commission (EC). This initiative aims to revolutionize the state's approach to governance, planning, and citizen empowerment through advanced geospatial technology. The SIR is designed to be a comprehensive, state-wide digital map platform that integrates satellite imagery, drone surveys, and geo-tagged data from various departments into a single, accessible database.

The SIR is not an entirely new concept for Karnataka. The state launched the Karnataka Geographic Information System (K-GIS) nearly a decade ago in 2016. K-GIS was envisioned as a single gateway-integrated platform to improve the utilization of geospatial information. It provided unified data for Karnataka, combining satellite data delivery, geo-tagging of assets, and mobile applications. However, the initial version of K-GIS was static and lacked real-time update capabilities.

The new SIR represents a significant upgrade, addressing the limitations of its predecessor. Dubbed K-GIS 2.0, it promises real-time data updates and broader accessibility, enhancing its utility for various government departments and citizens. The system is expected to bring much-needed transparency and enable officials to monitor and identify gaps.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is also preparing to launch a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Karnataka, potentially anytime after September 25. This revision, conducted after over two decades, seeks to remove deceased, migrated, and duplicate voters from the electoral rolls. The ECI expects that the voting percentage in urban centers like Bengaluru will increase in future elections after the completion of SIR. The last time that the SIR was conducted in Karnataka was in 2002, and the notification for the 2025 SIR is expected shortly.

The implementation of the SIR aligns with broader national efforts to leverage geospatial technology for improved governance. The National Geospatial Information System (NGIS) is being implemented to integrate geospatial data available with several organizations to develop a GIS platform for e-Governance applications at the national level. Karnataka has been proactive in adopting geospatial technologies, recognizing their potential to transform decision-making and public service delivery.

The benefits of the SIR are far-reaching. By providing a centralized, up-to-date geospatial database, the SIR can support various applications, including:

• Improved planning and decision-making: Government departments can use the SIR to make more informed decisions about infrastructure development, resource management, and urban planning.
• Enhanced transparency and accountability: The SIR can provide citizens with access to information about government assets, land records, and other relevant data, promoting transparency and accountability.
• Better service delivery: The SIR can be used to improve the delivery of public services such as healthcare, education, and disaster response.
• Citizen empowerment: Citizens will have access to state wide maps, images, and geospatial information through this portal.
• E-governance: Geo-enable e-governance and public services.

The Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Centre (KSRSAC) has been instrumental in developing and implementing the K-GIS portal. The KSRSAC has visualized the portal as a single gateway-integrated platform to improve the utilization of geospatial information.

As Karnataka prepares to roll out its SIR, the state is poised to become a leader in geospatial governance. With its comprehensive data integration, real-time update capabilities, and broad accessibility, the SIR promises to transform the way the state is governed and how citizens interact with their government.