ISRO Chief Announces Plans For India’s Own Space Station; Stresses Lightning Forecast Tech To Save Lives In UP

India will soon have its own space station in orbit, announced ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan during a state level workshop held in Lucknow on Monday. Speaking at the Remote Sensing Application Centre (RSAC), he emphasized the need to develop accurate lightning forecasting technology to prevent an average of 300 deaths annually in Uttar Pradesh alone.
Dr. Narayanan, who also serves as Secretary of the Department of Space, addressed officials at the Yojna Bhawan auditorium. He highlighted how advancements in space technology can play a direct role in saving lives and aiding disaster preparedness.

Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, who chaired the event, said remote sensing technologies are increasingly vital to key government departments. These include agriculture, irrigation, rural development, public health, public works, mining, housing, urban planning, and disaster management.

The workshop brought together top officials from several departments. Among those present were Alok Kumar (Principal Secretary, Planning), Pundhari Yadav (Science and Technology Department), Anuj Jha (Urban Development Secretary), Sheeldhar Singh Yadav (RSAC Director), Dr. Sudhakar.

Shukla (Department Head), and Dr. J.V. Thomas (Director, EDPO-ISRO).
The event underscored the growing relevance of space and remote sensing technologies in public administration and disaster mitigation in
the state.