Harnessing AI for a Smarter Future: Gokul Butel at IIT Mandi’s ‘Idea Matter Most’ Talk Show
State Government’s Vision for Youth Empowerment in IT – Gokul Butel
Gokul Butel, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister (Innovation, Digital Technology & Governance), participated as a special guest at the ‘Idea Matter Most’ talk show at IIT Mandi. The event, chaired by IIT Director Laxmidhar Behra, also featured Dr. Amit Kumar Pandey, CTO of Space Robotics & AI. The discussion revolved around the theme “Human-AI Participation: Coming Together to Shape Tomorrow.”
Empowering Youth with AI and Digital Technologies
During his address, Gokul Butel highlighted the state government’s commitment to equipping youth with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning. He emphasized that these advancements are not just technological tools but transformative forces poised to reshape governance, making processes more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric. He also discussed how AI-driven automated systems could help resolve public grievances swiftly and effectively.
Butel underscored that AI adoption in public administration can revolutionize governance, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and enhanced citizen engagement. “The future belongs to those who use AI responsibly and innovatively to create a positive impact,” he stated. He also stressed that integrating AI into social welfare programs could bridge the digital divide, benefiting rural and underserved communities.
AI in Agriculture and Urban Development
Artificial intelligence, he noted, can significantly improve agricultural productivity. AI-powered precision farming can assist farmers by offering climate forecasts, soil analysis, and pest control strategies. Moreover, AI-driven supply chain monitoring can reduce post-harvest losses and ensure fair pricing for agricultural produce. In urban planning, AI can optimize traffic management, waste disposal, and energy consumption by analyzing real-time data.
AI for Disaster Management in Himachal Pradesh
Given Himachal Pradesh’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as landslides, cloudbursts, earthquakes, and forest fires, AI-driven solutions can play a crucial role in disaster prevention and response. AI can analyze weather patterns, seismic activity, and satellite imagery to predict disasters before they occur. Machine learning models can identify risk factors and issue timely alerts to authorities and the public, preventing loss of life and property.
AI-driven landslide forecasting models, for instance, can analyze soil moisture, rainfall patterns, and terrain conditions to warn about potential hazards in high-risk areas like Kangra, Mandi, Kinnaur, and Chamba. Similarly, AI-powered drones and satellite imagery can provide real-time updates on disaster-affected regions, enabling authorities to assess damage and deploy relief efforts more effectively. AI-based navigation systems can also guide emergency responders through blocked roads during heavy snowfall, ensuring timely assistance.
Bringing AI Closer to the People
Additionally, AI chatbots and voice assistants can disseminate critical safety information in local languages, offering guidance on evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and disaster preparedness measures. This ensures that life-saving information reaches people in a timely and accessible manner.
Gokul Butel’s address at IIT Mandi underscored the immense potential of AI in shaping a smarter and more resilient future for Himachal Pradesh. By fostering innovation and responsible AI adoption, the state government is taking significant strides toward technological advancement and public welfare.
