Space Technology Transforms Communication and Education in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, June 30 (PTI) Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized on Monday that space technology is no longer confined to research but plays a vital role in communication, agriculture, weather forecasting, disaster management, education, health, and infrastructure development. Dhami made these remarks at the Space Conference 2025, which focuses on the role of Himalayan states in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Dhami congratulated ISRO and all scientists participating in the event, particularly Indian scientist Shubhanshu Shukla, who hoisted the national flag at the International Space Station. He described this as a matter of immense national pride and noted that Shukla's contribution will lay a solid foundation for future space missions, including Gaganyaan.

The chief minister inaugurated a dashboard developed by ISRO and UCOST to make Champawat a model district and unveiled a publication by ISRO. He spoke about the state government's commitment to promoting science and technological innovation, highlighting significant progress in establishing Science City, Innovation Centers, and cutting-edge laboratories in areas such as AI, robotics, and drones.

Dhami expressed confidence that this conference would play a key role in making Uttarakhand a 'space-technology friendly state,' contributing to its sustainable development.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, the chief guest at the event, highlighted India's strides in space technology. He mentioned that India launched its first rocket in 1963 and has since launched over 100 rockets. Until 1975, India had no satellites of its own, but today, it possesses 131 satellites. These satellites are crucial for TV broadcasting and communication.

Narayanan also discussed ISRO's current projects, including a human space program and a rocket capable of launching payloads up to 75,000 kg into low Earth orbit, expected to be completed in around 27 days. He recalled how Indian rockets were once transported on bicycles but now hold multiple world records.

India was the first country to detect water molecules on the Moon, the first to land on the Moon’s South Pole, and the fourth to study the Sun with Aditya-L1. India also succeeded in its first attempt at reaching Mars' orbit, becoming the fourth country to do so. The country aims to establish its own space station by 2030 and send astronauts to the Moon by 2040. Narayanan affirmed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is achieving new milestones and will certainly become a Developed India by 2047.

Director of the National Remote Sensing Centre, Prakash Chauhan, emphasized the integral role of satellite data in daily life. In Uttarakhand, livestock data has been digitized, and satellite-based mapping and data were used during the Rishiganga-Chamoli disaster for national-level policymaking and Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA). Satellite data is also used for disaster response, forest conservation, forest fire mapping, glacier lake monitoring, and prediction of cloudbursts and floods.

The conference underscores the transformative potential of space technology in various sectors, highlighting the state's and nation's commitment to innovation and sustainable development.