ISRO to set up its research centre for start ups in Assam

Guwahati: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has embarked upon an ambitious plan to set up a research centre for start ups, academicians, environmentalists and entrepreneurs in Assam.

Disclosing that decision to this effect was taken in a meeting between Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and ISRO chairman Dr AS Kiran Kumar here on Thursday, Assam government in a statement said 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.

The ISRO also intends to use the remote sensing technology for accurate flood warning system, prevention of soil erosion and land slide.

Sonowal while asking ISRO chairman to integrate space technology for the overall development of the state also announced that his government would provide land to the ISRO free of cost for opening the research centre.

Along with other objectives, the proposed research centre will be mandated to be used extensively for collecting and interpreting satellite data over the last few decades, which can be made accessible to research scholars through this Centre in Guwahati.

In this regard Assam government has also decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with ISRO.      

Sonowal also sought ISRO’s help to use space technology for drawing a broad remote sensing map to stop the alleged illegal trade of 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 was of view that both the 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.