ISRO to set up its research centre in Guwahati

It may be noted that it is for the first time that ISRO is setting up such an exclusive research facility in Assam to explore the possibility of using geospatial technology, which includes data generated through Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Satellite Remote Sensing for expediting development of Assam and using the remote sensing technology for accurate flood warning system, prevention of soil erosion and land slide to name a few.

During the meeting with ISRO Chairman Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, the Assam CM requested him to integrate space technology for the overall development of the State.

He informed Dr. Kiran Kumar that State Government would provide land to the ISRO free of cost for opening the research centre. Along with other objectives the research centre will be mandated to be used extensively for colleting and interpreting satellite data over the last few decades which can be made accessible to young researchers through this Centre in Guwahati.

In the meeting Sonowal also informed that the State Government will ink an MoU with the Department of Space for leveraging the potentials of the State for using space technology. Once the MoU is signed both State Government and ISRO would work together for the development of the region.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special thrust on the North East and considering the region as the new growth engine of the nation, Sonowal requested Dr. Kiran Kumar to integrate space technology with Act East Policy so that space technology can be used as a bridge between North East and other South East Asian countries.

Drawing attention of Dr. Kiran Kumar to the verdant natural resources of Assam both flora and fauna and the Brahmaputra and Barak providing the life line to the entire state, Sonowal sought ISRO’s help to use space technology for drawing a broad remote sensing map to stop the alleged illegal trade on the natural resources.

He also sought ISRO’s help to use space technology as a deterrent against deforestation which is largely responsible for sedimentation and siltation of the river bed.

Sonowal also hoped that both State Government and ISRO can work together in carrying out survey in studying the depth of the Brahmaputra river which according to him would help the state government’s proposed move of dredging the Brahmaputra in its entire stretch in the State from Sadiya to Dhubri.

Chief Secretary V.K. Pipersenia,  Additional Chief Secretary Science and Technology Rajiv Bora, Scientific Secretary, ISRO Bangalore P.G. Diwakar, Director National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad Y.V.N. Krishnamurthy, Director North East Space Application Centre, Shillong P.L.N. Raju, Director, ISRO, Bangalore Shantanu Bhatwadekar, Scientist North East Space Application Centre, Shillong Jonali Goswami and other senior officers of the government were present at the meeting.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)