The Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) on Wednesday launched a GIS-based website — www.gec.gov.in — where data relating to various environmental issues has been uploaded in the form of matrix and maps. It also contains several research studies on different environmental aspects.

Launching the website in the presence of senior officials of the State Forest and Environment department and the GEC in his official chamber at the

Sachivalaya, Forest Minister Mangubhai Patel said there are about 300 maps and 2,000 tables which depict vital information on several key environmental/ecological issues concerning the state.

Moreover, the website based on geographical information system (GIS) contains information of environmental factors involving land, water, forests, agriculture, animal husbandry, health, mines and minerals, coastal ecology, and energy among others. Information regarding taluka-level

ecology profile prepared by the Commission is also available.

Describing the GEC’s website as “a mini Google”, Principal Secretary (Forest and Environment) S K Nanda, who was present during the launch, said that in order to make the website user-friendly and participatory, a theme on “Participate” has also been developed.

Besides, a detailed information on mangrove plantations has been uploaded with photographs, and a report on the Integrated Coastal Zone Management project proposed to be launched in Gujarat is also available on the portal.

GEC’s Member Secretary E Balaguruswamy said the website includes data of the various environmental problems facing Gujarat, such as, industrial pollution, rapid urbanisation and degradation of land, and also policy recommendations.

The Commission publishes a quarterly newsletter Parisar, which provides useful environment-related information.