Widespread use of space technology to accelerate NE’s Development: Minister Keshab Mahanta

GUWAHATI: The widespread use of space technology will accelerate the development of Northeast India. This was the key sentiment expressed by Assam’s Science and Technology Minister Keshab Mahanta while inaugurating a regional conference organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Guwahati today, focusing on the application and utility of space technology in the development of the northeastern region.

Held at the Assam Water Centre in Basistha, Guwahati, the regional conference titled “Utility of Space Technology Applications for a Developed India by 2047” was jointly organized by ISRO’s North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) and Assam State Space Application Centre (ASSAC). The conference was formally inaugurated on Tuesday morning by Minister Mahanta.

Participating as the chief guest, Mahanta stated, “Space-based services—particularly remote sensing and satellite communication—are becoming increasingly vital for national economic growth and social well-being. Space technology-based systems, by providing real-time data and solutions, can significantly contribute to agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management, resource management, and the delivery of communication and healthcare services.”

Prominent attendees at the conference included Dr. J.V. Thomas, Director of the Earth Observation Applications and Disaster Management Support Programme Office (EDPO) at ISRO’s Bengaluru headquarters; Chom Kamei, Planning Advisor of the North Eastern Council in Shillong; Pallav Gopal Jha, Secretary of Assam’s Science and Technology Department; and NE-SAC Director Dr. S.P. Agarwal.

Minister Mahanta further remarked, “Space technology is no longer confined to rockets and missions. It has emerged as a powerful tool for development, governance, and disaster response. Today, space technology and its applications are playing a crucial role in achieving the nation’s sustainable development goals.”

He emphasized that space technology is instrumental in addressing key challenges in critical sectors that determine the nation’s progress, while also offering immense potential for accelerating the development of Assam and the Northeast region. He highlighted the need to increasingly utilize satellite data and geospatial technology for resource management, disaster preparedness, and urban planning. He also noted its usefulness in agriculture, forestry, hydrology, and infrastructure development, and particularly in disaster management—especially flood warning systems.

Notably, representatives from all the Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim—participated in this event, along with senior officials and scientists from ISRO, NE-SAC, and ASSAC, including ASSAC Director Dr. PLN Raju, a press release said.

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