Isro to set up research centre at Guwahati

GUWAHATI: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) would set up a research centre in Guwahati for startups, academicians, environmentalists and entrepreneurs.

This 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.

The decision was taken at a meeting between Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Isro Chairman Dr. AS Kiran Kumar at Loka Priya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in the city on October 5.

Sonowal requested the Isro chief to integrate space technology for the overall development of the state and informed that the state government would provide land to the Isro free of cost for opening the research centre.

The 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 young researchers through this centre.

The state government will ink an MoU with the department of space for leveraging the potentials of the state for using space technology.

Drawing attention of 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.