Government unveils dedicated website for govt. map download for Indians

The government has launched a website that will allow public to download maps, but it has ensured that this service be used only by Indians by making Aadhaar number mandatory to avail this service. With the help of Aadhar card, a person can download three maps every day from the portal (http://soinakshe.uk.gov.in/) which was launched on April 10. Minister of Science and Technology, Harsh Vardhan said that the SGI has completed 250 years. It has a wide archive of maps. A ‘Map of Hindoostan’ was first published by the SGI in 1783 which depicts the subcontinent region comprising India, Pakistan, Burma (now Myanmar), Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan. There is a rich collection of over 5,000 maps with the SGI. Out of these, 3,000 maps can be accessed and downloaded by the public, while 1700 will be available for downloading soon. The remaining maps are awaiting clearance. The National Map Policy 2005, has made the non-defence maps accessible for public. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, said that earlier even government departments could procure maps only at a price paid to the Survey General of India, but those norms have been relaxed now. SGI has also measured the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest. After the 2015 earthquake doubts have been expressed about the height of Everest. Harsh Vardhan said the SGI is awaiting clearance from Nepal to measure the height of Mt. Everest. It would be interesting to know that Everest has been named after former Surveyor General of India Col Sir George Everest. Harsh Vardhan said that steps are being taken for a scientific collaboration between India and Nepal to re-measure maps.