Computer & GIS Cell

Nodal Officer : Shri. Qamar Qureshi

Background :

The emphasis on the need and utility of applying modern computer technology in strengthening wildlife conservation was given early on during the formative years of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). In fact, one of the six mission statements of WII is to “Create a database leading to a National Wildlife Information System”. It was realized that attempts to strengthen field conservation should be made by adopting a holistic management approach, of which the computer applications should form an integral part.

THE BEGINNING :

The development of computer facility at WII made a modest beginning with the procurement of two ‘Apple’ computers and recruitment of one computer personnel in 1986. Initial technical expertise in computerization was provided by the FAO under project “Assistance to the Wildlife Institute of India 1988-90”. Efforts were initiated to design and develop the computer facilities for the Institute’s upcoming new campus at Chandrabani. Careful selection of appropriate hardware, software including the local area networking software for the new campus was made through extensive consultations and visits to various organizations and computer vendors. The institute initiated the development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) capability, largely through collaborative linkages with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Under this linkage hardware, software and technical expertise was provided by the USFWS along with training fellowship to institute faculty and staff. In 1987, a national wildlife database on species, habitats and protected areas was established under FAO project IND/82/003. This was essentially a single user database and required standardization of methods of data collection, collation and analyses.

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PRESENT STATUS :

There has been a substantial growth in the computer facilities at WII over the years (Fig. 1). The number of computer terminals have grown from 4 in 1986 to 160 in 2003. Number of users have grown from 15 in 1986 to 230 in 2003. Similarly, from 1 computer personnel in 1986 the Institute now has 11. The details of computer hardware and software in use is given in Annexure I and II respectively.

Fig.1 Growth of Computer Facility in WII.

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COMPUTER APPLICATIONS :

There is a wide array of areas in which computer applications are being made at WII (Fig. 2). These range from GIS to electronic publishing; database development to inventory management; library automation to local area networking; training to internet use. Computer ethos has seeped in the working of faculty, staff, researchers and students. The trend in growth of services provided by the Computer/GIS Centre is given in Fig.3. The details of computer applications at WII are given below:

S. No.	Year --» Facility/ Applications	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
	Basic Computing Facility
	National Wildlife Database
	Customized Software Dev.
.	DTP Facility, GIS & RS Basic
	Basic Library Automation
	Advanced Computing Facility
	Local Area Networking
	Bench Marking
	Basic Training
	Advanced Library Automation
	Advanced Training
	MCA Trainee Placement
	E-Mail Facility
	Advance GIS & RS
	Website Development
	Internet

Fig. 3 Trend in Growth of Services

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GIS & DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING :

The institute has state-of-the-art GIS and Remote Sensing facilities. Its application is being made in research and consultancy projects and also in EIA studies. Hands-on training is provided through specially organized courses. The Institute received substantial GIS software donation from the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), USA. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exists with the ESRI, India to take up collaborative projects involving GIS – Remote Sensing Applications.

COMPUTER TRAINING

Training in computer applications in wildlife conservation is an integral part of the course curriculum of the 9 months Postgraduate Diploma Course in Wildlife Management. Short duration training courses are organized for faculty, staff, researchers and students for which course curriculum and reading material is specially designed. Opportunities for enhancement of professional skills of computer personnel are provided by sponsoring them for overseas training and visits and also by nominating them for in-country training courses.

INTERNET :

The institute has established Internet connectivity through a leased line link with VSNL at 512 Kbps. It has its own Internet and Mail Servers. The purpose of this facility is to facilitate academic, research and training activities in the field of wildlife conservation. Individual e-mail addresses have been allocated to faculty/staff/researchers/students /officer trainees. All computers of institute's LAN have been configured to provide internet services viz. sending/receiving e-mails, internet browsing, FTP for uploading/downloading of information etc. The URL of WII website is http://www.wii.gov.in.

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ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING :

The Institute has recently entered into electronic publishing. The Environment Information System (ENVIS) Centre at WII on “Wildlife & Protected Areas”, publishes bi-annual bulletin which is also hosted on the web-site along with the Institute’s Newsletter. The electronic editions ensure much wider dissemination of these documents.

DESK TOP PUBLISHING :

Extensive use of Desk Top Printing (DTP) facilities (computer hardware, software, scanner and colour printer) is made in the production of course material, research reports, monographs, newsletters, annual report and other documents.

LIBRARY AUTOMATION :

The Institute’s library has state-of-the-art computer facilities. All library operations are automated and a variety of value added services are provided to the users. The library has its own server which is also connected to the main server.

DATABASE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT :

The Institute maintains a number of databases viz. (i) National Wildlife Database (NWD) on species, habitats and protected areas (ii) Zoo database; (iii) Officer trainee database; (iv) Research project database and (v) Bibliographic database. The NWD has recently been ported from FoxPro environment to state-of-the-art RDBMS package – ORACLE. All computer personnel have also been trained in ORACLE use. The databases can be accessed by various users through the Institute’s Local Area Network.

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LOCAL AREA NETWORKING :

In order to ensure optimal use of hardware and software resources, the Institute has set up an extensive Local Area Network (LAN) based on Novell Netware 4.11. There are 160 nodes. The day to day management is looked after by the LAN Manager who is supported by two hardware engineers provided by the AMC firm.

DATA ANALYSES :

The data analyses for various research and consultancy projects is carried out using an array of software. The computer staff provides technical assistance and support in statistical analyses.

CUSTOMIZED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT :

Many a times need arises for taking up customized software development for carrying out statistical analyses of vegetation and animal data including census. Similarly, Simple Macro Language (SML) and Arc Macro Language (AML) programmes have to be written for implementing software routines in GIS domain. The computer staff provides support in the development of customized software.

INVENTORIES AND MANAGEMENT :

The Institute has taken up the computerization of the administrative functions and financial transactions including the inventorization of stores. The computerization process has optimized these operations.

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BENCHMARKING :

Every year the Institute makes computer hardware/software purchase for which rigorous benchmarking procedures are followed. Benchmarking standards and protocols have been developed in-house, which are also used by other sister organizations based in Dehradun. The adoption of these procedures have resulted in getting better specifications as well as cost savings.

FINANCIAL INVESTMENT IN COMPUTER FACILITIES :

In order to develop the state-of-the-art computer facilities the Institute has made considerable financial investment (Fig. 4). From a meagre investment of Rs 7.93 lakhs in 1986-89 it has grown to Rs 76.70 lakhs in 1995-98. Besides this, a sum of over US$ 100,000 has been spent by international collaborative projects. A considerable investment is required to maintain and upgrade the facilities e.g. the annual maintenance contract and consumables supply require Rs. 14.00 lakhs every year; internet facility up-link charges are Rs. 6.00 lakhs per year; up-gradation of hardware/software require Rs. 10.00 lakhs annually. Besides this, a substantial amount is

spent on salaries of computer personnel on contract, organization of training courses, HRD - all of which is currently met from various national and international projects at the Institute. In order to provide a bigger space to meet the growing needs and also better working environment, it is proposed to shift the computer/GIS centre to new academic block, which will be commissioned in the year 2000. Planning, design and development of the new computer/GIS centre including the training centre will require considerable investment especially as fibre optics cables will be laid to cater to the need of fast and heavy data flow.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE :

The organization structure for managing the computer facilities at WII is depicted in Fig. 5. Under the Chairmanship of the Additional Director the 15 member computer committee functions. The committee meets every month and deliberates upon various matters connected with the policy and activities of the Computer/GIS centre. The Faculty Incharge Computer/GIS centre is responsible for the management of the Computer/GIS centre for which technical assistance is provided by the System Manager. In all 6 permanent and 9 contract staff work in the Computer/GIS centre.

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HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT :

Human Resource Development (HRD) in the field of computer applications has been identified in the WII ‘Institution Building Plan’ as one of the core delivery and enabling system to carry out the core/line activities. The need for providing advanced training to the computer personnel on a continuing basis cannot be over-emphasized. A number of requests also come from various technical institutions and universities to provide placement to graduate students for undertaking dissertation projects. A list of such placements is given in Annexure III. It is visualized that such opportunities should be provided in a planned manner so that they are mutually beneficial. Similarly, opportunities for computer personnel to enhance their professional skills have to be provided. Two computer personnel have obtained doctorate degrees in the last two years and a few others are pursuing it. Adequate opportunities for career advancement and professional skill development should be provided to computer personnel. The profile of the computer personnel working in the Institute is given in Annexure IV.

THE PATH AHEAD :

The momentum of growth in computer facility development needs to be sustained. Rapid advancements in Information Technology (IT) invariably make investments obsolete. This can be addressed by adopting systematic and pro-active planning and phasing of investments. To maintain and develop the state-of-the-art Computer/GIS/IT facilities at WII it is reckoned that an investment of atleast Rs. 50.00 lakhs per annum would be required from year 2000 onwards. The need for developing training courses on “Biodiversity Information Management” is also visualized. The World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC), United Kingdom has recently approached the Institute to develop these courses under a collaborative arrangement. This arrangement should be formalized and made operational in a reasonable time frame as it will go a long way in strengthening field conservation efforts in managing the rich and varied biodiversity of our country.

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INFRASTRUCTURE :

Computers :

Pentium - 38 Nos.
Intel Celeron - 33 Nos.
Pentium LAN Servers - 2 Nos. (Running Novell Netware 4.01)
Pentium Internet/Email Servers - 2 Nos. (Running WIN NT 4.0 Servers)
Pentium CD-NET Server (7 CDs - Used for Journals on CD)
SUN Workstations - 4 Nos.(Running UNIXWare)
Notebooks - 18 Nos. (Having PCMCIA/Fax Modem Card for Internet/Intranet Connections)
Palm Tops - 2 Nos.
Apple MAC - 1 No.
PC 486 - 48 Nos.

All the above systems are connected to the
Internet/Email through the Institute's LAN.

Printers :

DMP 80 Columns - 43 Nos.
DMP 132 Columns - 28 Nos.
Deskjet - 35 Nos.
Plotters - 3 Nos. (Used for GIS)
Laser - 18 Nos.
Laser Color - 1 No.

Misc :

BNC Trans-receiver - 2 Nos.
HUB - 4 Nos.
Repeater -1 No.
Trans-receiver -1 Nos.
Digitizers - 3 Nos.
Barcode Reader/Scanner - 3 Nos.
Barcode Printer - 1 No.
Scanners - 7 Nos.
Cartridge Tape Drive - 1 No.
IOMEGA Jaz Drive - 1 No.
Digital Slide Scanner - 1 No.
Digital Palette - 1 No.
Modems - 7 Nos (out of which 4 are used for local Dialup connections for Email/Internet from home).

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PLACEMENT OF MCA STUDENTS :

Sl. No.	Name	Institution	Dissertation Title	Year
1.	V.K. Tonk	Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar	Stock Monitoring System	1996
2.	J. Kalita	Jorhat Engineering College, Jorhat, Assam	Biodiversity Slide Information System	1997
3.	Timir Prabhakar	REC, Gorakhpur	Development of a Network User Information System	1997
4.	Tumul Kumar Singh	Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Technology & Science, Dehradun	Bibliographic Database Management System	1998
5.	Suresh P. Bhatt	Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Technology & Science, Dehradun	Remote Sensing Database Information System	1998
6.	Shailender Garg	Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Technology & Science, Dehradun	Animal Census Database Management System	1998
7.	Pooja Kalra	Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Technology & Science, Dehradun	Library Database Management System	1999
8.	Madhur Jain	Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Technology & Science, Dehradun	Laboratory Information Management System	1999
9.	Manash Pratim Baruah	Jorhat Engineering College, Jorhat, Assam	Herbarium Information Management System	1999

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PROFILES OF COMPUTER PERSONNEL

Rajesh Thapa
- System Manager

Mr. Rajesh Thapa presently holding the position of System Manager was the first computer personnel to be inducted in the computer cell of Wildlife Institute of India in July, 1985.

He did his Masters in Mathematics with specialization in Computer Programming from the Garhwal University. He also holds PG Diploma in Computer Applications. He was awarded the US Fish & Wildlife Service fellowship for undergoing specialized training on GIS and System Administration in Colorado, USA during September-October, 1991. He was also awarded training fellowship to USA under the World Bank “Evironmental Resource Management Network (ERMN)” grant for capacity building in computer applications in May-June 1996. From a setup of two Apple IIe computers, the computer facility of the institute has grown to100 plus nodes on LAN and internet under his supervision and management. His specialization is in GIS, remote sensing, internet/networking and system administration of heterogeneous systems viz. Windows 95/98/NT, Netware and Sun Solaris systems. He developed the home page of WII during his training at National Biological Service, Denver, Colorado in 1996. As a GIS resource person, he attended an international conference “Assessing the Status of Tigers” held in Bangkok, Thailand in October, 1994.

He has been conducting instructional training about information technology to the institute’s faculty, staff, officer-trainees, researchers and students. He has conducted and participated in various workshops/seminars/conferences on subjects related to information technology. He is a member of Computer Committee, ENVIS Committee and Audio-Visual Committee of the institute. He is also a member of Computer Society of India, Dehra Dun Chapter. He has been imparting technical expertise to the sister organizations of WII.

Dr. Panna Lal
- Programmer

He joined this institute in 1994 and was assigned the responsibility of GIS & Remote Sensing work. He is working knowledge of Arc Info/Arc Map, ERDAS imagine, IDRISI, GRASS, Calhome, Fragstat and Biomaper. He has significantly contributed various research thesis/reports/publications etc of the institute. His special interests are analysis, modeling for wildlife areas using GIS/RS technology.

He did Ph.D. in Forest Ecology and Environment from Forest Research Institute (FRI) University, Dehradun in year 2008, M.Sc. Geography in year 1993 from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi and P.G. Diploma in Computer Science & Application in 1991.

He has served as Scientist ‘C’ on deputation from 18.4.2006 to 31.12.2008 in Uttarakhand Space Application Centre (U-SAC) Dehradun. During deputation tenure he was associated several program of this centre including Ground Water Prospect Mapping (NRSA), Land degradation Uttarakhand, Forest Fire Risk Zonation Mapping, Impact Assessment studies. He was Principal Investigator project Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission Phase III sponsored by department of space (ISRO) govt. of India. He was conducted several RS/GIS training program for various line department of state. He also served additional duties as Office–in charge (store), Library, Vehicle and Satellite Data.

Dr. Panna Lal is currently involved in Remote Sensing/GIS work and imparting teaching GIS/GPS/RS technology of various on going program of the institute.

V.Sukumar
- Programmer

Masters in Mathematics with specialization in Computer Programming from H.N.B. Garhwal University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application. He has attended a training workshop on Biodiversity Information Management System at Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand conducted by Asian Bureau for Conservation. He was also awarded the training fellowship to USA for learning “Network Administration Capabilities” under the Environmental Resource Management Network - a World Bank Project.

He joined the institute in 1988. He established the institute’s Desk Top Publishing setup immediately after joining. He is managing the institute’s Local Area Network since it has been setup in 1992. Presently, he is maintaining and managing the Internet facility also. He has been involved in the various automation works viz. Library, UNDP Office, Finance, Store etc . He is also involved in teaching to various target groups in the use of computers in wildlife conservation. He is President of Institute’s Employees Cooperative Society and member of Computer Committee, Welfare Committee of the institute. He is also a member of Computer Society of India.

- Dr. Manoj Kr. Agarwal
Programmer

After getting the Masters’ Degree in Statistics, Dr. Manoj obtained Diploma in Computer Applications. He joined the Wildlife Institute of India in 1989 and was assigned the responsibility of enhancing the computer- aided mapping facilities. In 1992, he was given the responsibility of developing and enhancing the DeskTop Publishing facilities at the institute. In 1996, he was awarded Ph.D. Degree on “Numerical solution of some natural and physical phenomena governed by partial differential equation.” from H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar.
He has explored and implemented the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology in the institute. He is also involved in imparting computer training to various target groups. His fields of interest are exploring the Computer Software/Packages, System Management, Research and Development in Computer Applications. He is also Sports Secretary at WII.

Lekh Nath Sharma
- Asstt. Programmer

Mr. Lekh Nath Sharma is M.Sc. in Physics with specialization in Electronics. He also has a Master’s Degree in Economics with specialization in Econometrics from Garhwal University. He obtained Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science and Applications from Gurukul Kangri University in 1990. He was nominated by DSE-Germany and FAO for International Training Course on “Application of GIS and Remote Sensing in managing Tropical Forest and Natural Resources in South-East Asia” held at Puncak, Indonesia in 1994.

Mr. Sharma joined institute in March, 1991 as an Assistant Computer Programmer. His job responsibilities includes data analysis, programming, database designing and software support to Library and Computer Centre. He is involved in various teaching and training (computer science and applications) programmes of the Institute. He has done GIS analysis for several projects. He was member Secretary of Computer Committee during 1996-97. He is the Member Secretary of Institute’s Cultural Committee since January, 1995. He is also a member of Institute’s Welfare Committee. His field of interest are statistical analysis, scientific programming and teaching.

Dinesh Singh Pundir
- Asstt. Programmer

A Masters Degree in Computer Science from M.D.U. University, Rohtak. Mr Dinesh Singh Pundir joined Institute’s Computer Center as Assistant Computer Programmer in October 2002. A post B.Sc. Diploma holder in Computer Science & Application and ‘O’ Level Certificate (Business Professional Programmer) of DOEACC, New Delhi he previously worked in Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR), Dehradun.

His job responsibilities include digitization of maps, designing Institute's Home Page, imparting computer training to M.Sc., Diploma & Certificate courses, besides looking after the E-mail, Internet, networking facilities. He has been involved in designing/developing Institute's Homepage and updating the information on it.

Narinder Singh Bist
- Asstt. Programmer

Mr. Narinder Singh Bist is a Post Graduate in Mathematics from Garhwal University and joined as a Computer Personnel in Environmental Impact Assessment Cell of this Institute in 1993 and presently working as Assistant Programmer since October 2002. He obtained Post Graduate Honours Diploma in System Management from NIIT, New Delhi in 1991.

His job responsibilities include formatting/designing, preparation of figures & slides for various reports of EIA projects and also handling of EIA project files through computerized database. Beside this he has helped in developing EIA software “EIA ~ TRACK”. He has also developed a Environmental Impact Assessment home page for EIA Cell and the same is linked to main home page of this Institute. His field of interest are mathematical analysis and computer programming.

Alka Aggarwal
- Asstt. Programmer

She has having a Master’s Degree in Zoology from Meerut University. She also obtained a degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in Bachelor of Library Science (B.L.I.Sc) and She also obtained Post Graduate Computer Diploma from NIIT.

She joined the Institute in October 2002 as Assistant Programmer. She is involved in Bibliographic Database. She has designed a webpage for Bird checklist of Protected Area. She is developing Programme for managing database on Indian wildlife. She has developed software for administration and computer center of the Institute.

She is developing web based application of National Wildlife Database. With the help of this database user can access on – line information related to Protected Areas (National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India).

Harendra Kumar
- Asstt. Programmer

Mr. Harendra Kumar has three years diploma in computer science from P.D.M Polytechnic Haryana.

He joined the institute in october 2002 as an Assistant Programmer. He is having knowledge of C, C++, Data Structure, Foxpro, Oracle 8, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, Word, Pagemaker. He is presently working in DTP.

Dr. Jagat Singh Kathayat
- Database Manager

Mr. J.S. Kathayat has Master degree in Botany from Kumaun University. He obtained Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Management from Computer Age, Dehradun. He has vast experience of developing and managing database on Indian wildlife.

He joined the Institute in November 1989 as a Research Assistant . Presently, he is working as a Database Manager (Natural Resources). His job responsibilities includes developing, managing and operation of the National Wildlife Database. He also imparts training in the field of database application and management. He is also involved in the designing and managing of webpage for the National Wildlife Database.

Virendra Sharma
- Computer Personnel

Mr. Virendra Sharma is a science graduate from H.N.B. Garhwal University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications & Programming from SOEI, Dehradun under DOEACC, New Delhi.

He joined the Institute in 1994. He was assigned the responsibility to maintain the Research Project Information System. In April, 1997 he joined the Computer Center as Computer Personnel. He assists in the handling of all routine administrative work besides looking after e-mail and Internet facilities.

Mukesh Kumar Arora
- Computer Personnel

A Masters Degree in Computer Science from M.D.U. University, Rohtak. He obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications from Kurukshetra University.

He joined the institute in 1997 and has been involved in desk top publishing work relating to Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Cell and also for the institute. He has professional experience of computer teaching, obtained at renowned institutes in Doon Valley prior to joining the institute. He is also involved in teaching computer applications at WII. His expertise lies in developing presentation slides using a range of software. His fields of interest are Multi-media, Computer Graphics and Web Page Designing.

Muthu Veerappan
- Data Entry Operator

-Profile Awaited-