Geo-scientific data should be used in developing sustainable infrastructures: Nasrul Hamid

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said on Wednesday that geo-scientific data should be used in developing sustainable infrastructures.

"There must be a reflection of the geo-scientific data in developing area-based master plan", he said while addressing a seminar on the findings of a project titled: "Geo-information for Urban Planning and Adaptation to Climate Change" at a hotel in the city.

Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) and Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) of Germany recently jointly conducted a survey in Barishal and Khulna City Corporations, Faridpur and Satkhira Municipalities and surrounding areas.

Under the project, a computerised digital database of geological, geo-technical and environmental information was created for the purpose of creating safe or minimally hazardous environment-friendly urban planning and development facilities.

He said that though the achievements of the GSB are satisfactory, it has to expand its areas of research.

"If we can apply advanced technologies in geological survey, the success ratio will be greater", he said adding there should be specific policy to use the geo-scientific data.

With Senior Secretary of Energy Division Mahbub Hossain in the chair, the event was also addressed by LGRD Secretary Mohammad Ibrahim, Housing and Public Works Secretary Kazi Washi Uddin, German Ambassador Achim Troster, GSB Director General Mohammad Ilyas Hossain, BGR, German project coordinator Lena Maria Lorenzen, GSB project director Mohammad Ashraful Kamal, and BGR project manager Werner Buchert.