Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Highlights India's Growing Role In Space Tech At Mumbai Conclave

Mumbai: Geospatial technology will play an important role in sustainable development, including agriculture to administration and disaster management to natural resource conservation.

This was the theme at the 'Space Tech for Good Governance’ organised on by the Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP), in partnership with ISRO, at Uttan near Mumbai. The objective of the conclave was leveraging geospatial technology for societal benefits.

Speaking at the conclave, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra, said, “Space technology is becoming an integral part of life. The Prime Minister has created a policy for private sector participation so that India can contribute 8-10% in global space tech and generate $ 44 billion business. Already there are 189 space tech start-ups attracting $ 124 million investment.”

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union MoS (Independent Charge), Earth Sciences, and Science and Technology, in his recorded message, said that space technology is being used in governance, agriculture, disaster management, urban planning and revenue management.

Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former Rajya Sabha MP and vice-chairman, RMP said, “India has been known as a knowledge society. In line with that the work of RMP in capacity building and research has been significant. This conclave brings together technology and social science."

According to Lt. General Vinod G. Khandare (Retd), Principal Advisor, Ministry of Defence, said that infiltration and sabotage can be detected by clubbing space technology, AI and awareness among citizens.

The conclave had 125 participants from six states, with representatives from the National Remote Sensing Centre,Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPAEe), EarthSight Foundation, NESAC, SIA-India, and World Economic Forum.

The conclave featured discussions on the states’ role in space technology and the on-ground use of geospatial technology for women empowerment, forest fires control and rural development.