At IIT-Mandi show, Gokul Butail reveals how Himachal govt planning to empower residents via AI, innovation

MANDI: Gokul Butail, Principal Adviser to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (Innovation, Digital Technology and Governance), attended the ‘Ideas Matter Most’ talk show at IIT-Mandi as the chief guest.

The event was presided over by IIT-Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera, with Dr Amit Kumar Pandey, CTO of Space Robotics and AI, also participating.

The theme of the event was “Human-AI Collaboration: Shaping Tomorrow Together”.
On the occasion, Gokul Butail highlighted that the state government was making significant decisions to empower the youth in the field of information technology.

By incorporating AI and machine learning-based courses, the government aimed to enhance the skills of young individuals, he said.

Potential in AI to revolutionise governance

Gokul Butail emphasised that AI had the potential to revolutionise governance and public administration by making government processes more efficient, transparent and citizen-centric. Automated grievance redressal systems, for instance, could ensure the swift resolution of public complaints, he said.

Butail further stated that Artificial Intelligence was not just a tool but a transformative force capable of redefining governance, making it more efficient, transparent and people-focused.

He stressed that the future of governance lied in the hands of those who could use AI ethically, responsibly and innovatively. By adopting AI-driven innovations for social welfare, benefits could reach villages, remote communities and the underprivileged, he said

AI role in precision farming, assisting farmers with weather

Gokul Butail also highlighted the role of AI in precision farming, assisting farmers with weather forecasts, soil analysis and pest control strategies, ultimately improving productivity. “AI can monitor supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses and ensure fair pricing for agricultural produce.

Additionally, by analysing traffic patterns, waste management systems, and energy consumption, AI can optimise urban planning,” he said.

Speaking on disaster management, Butail pointed out that AI could play a crucial role, especially in a geographically sensitive state like Himachal Pradesh.

“Known for its hilly terrains and unpredictable weather, the state is vulnerable to natural disasters such as landslides, cloudbursts, earthquakes and forest fires. AI can significantly aid in predicting, preventing, and responding to such disasters by facilitating data-driven decision-making and saving lives,” he said.

He explained that AI could analyse weather patterns, seismic activity and satellite imagery to forecast disasters before they occured.

How machine learning models can identify risk factors

“Machine learning models could identify risk factors and issue timely alerts to authorities and the public. AI-powered landslide prediction models can analyse soil moisture, rainfall data and terrain conditions to warn about potential landslides in high-risk areas like Kangra, Mandi, Kinnaur and Chamba,” he said.

Additionally, AI-driven drones and satellite imagery could provide real-time updates from disaster-hit areas, helping officials assess damage and deploy relief efforts more effectively.

“During heavy snowfall, AI can suggest optimal routes for emergency services based on road blockages. AI chatbots and voice assistants can disseminate crucial information in local languages, guiding people on evacuation routes, safety measures, and emergency contacts,” he said.

Munish Sood(Mandi)