WRD officers trained in drone mapping & visual documentation

Kohima, July 16 (MExN): A two-day capacity building training programme on photography, videography, and drone mapping for officers of the Water Resources Department (WRD) commenced on July 16, with officials emphasising the critical role of modern visual documentation in securing central funds and managing projects in inaccessible terrains.

In her keynote address, Executive Engineer Wapangnaro Imchen stated that the WDR carries the vital responsibility of ensuring water security and developing the irrigation infrastructures of the state by conserving water resources structures and protecting the communities from flood and erosion.

To meet these responsibilities effectively, she said, the department must continue adopting modern technology by imparting training on photography, videography and drone mapping, stated a DIPR report. 

While elaborating on the importance of photography and videography, she highlighted that for instance, where projects presented through PowerPoint presentation were declined by the Ministry due to low quality photograph and videography being sent by the divisions. She therefore called upon engineers and the department officers to taken the training course on photography and videography with utmost sincerity so as to equip themselves with some knowledge on these basic skills. 

She also highlighted the importance of GIS Mapping and pointed out that every DPR require a GIS Map, without which the DPRs are always rejected. She urged the trainees to give importance to drone mapping because most of the department’s projects are undertaken in heavy terrain that are difficult to access by foot.

Er Mulukhhoto Khama, Junior Engineer and chairperson of the programme, described photography, videography, and drone mapping as indispensable tools for effective project documentation, monitoring, and evaluation. He added that these skills enable the department to present accurate visual records, improve report quality, and address audit observations with credible evidence.

The training, being held at the conference hall of the Chief Engineer, WRD, Kohima, features resource persons from the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and WRD experts. They include Information Assistant Morotsu Longchar, Assistant Photographer Viketso Meyase, JE Er C Yamukam Yimchunger, SDO Er Ihalung Herie, SDO Er Kevilhoukho Lhousa, and GIS Expert Wati.