Chandigarh: For better and scientifically planned growth of its cities, the Punjab government is going to map all its cities through modern Geographical Information System (GIS).

In the first phase six major cities of the state — Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bhatinda and Pathankot will be mapped through GIS.

The six cities are among 142 cities in the country which are being covered under the project of National Urban Information system.

“To begin with, we will have the entire information of six cities through GIS. Once it is successfully done, we will cover the entire state,” an official said.

The databases prepared through GIS will prove beneficial in preparation of master plan for the cities.

“The satellite images of all cities will be captured, which will be used to create a database for future. The database will include maps of cities geographical area, images of roads and rail network, sites of bus stand, railways stations and public offices,” the official said.

“These satellite images will help us plan and carry out major projects without causing inconvenient to public and damage to environment,” he added.