The Assam government has taken a significant step toward technological advancement by drafting a comprehensive space technology policy aimed at revolutionizing administrative efficiency across multiple sectors. With active support from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the initiative promises to transform how the state manages critical areas like agriculture, disaster response, and urban development.
Policy Framework and Institutional Collaboration
Responding to queries from MLA Pradip Sarkar, Science and Technology Minister Keshab Mahanta confirmed that the draft proposal of the Assam Space Technology Policy, 2025 is currently under departmental review. The state's chief secretary has already initiated formal communication with IN-SPACE (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), marking a crucial step in the policy's implementation process.
The minister elaborated that the policy establishes clear guidelines for utilizing satellite data across multiple domains including agriculture, flood management, forestry, urban planning, and communication systems. To facilitate real-time data access, the government plans to establish dedicated data hubs and ground stations that will directly connect with ISRO and NESAC (North Eastern Space Applications Centre) resources.
Flood Management Breakthrough and Future Initiatives
Assam's collaboration with space agencies isn't entirely new. Mahanta highlighted that NESAC and ISRO have already completed a special flood forecasting study for the state, which served as the foundation for the Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS). This system, operational for over a decade through the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), has proven highly effective in mitigating flood impacts.
"Assam is the first state in India to implement a large-scale space-based flood early warning system," Mahanta stated proudly, noting that other northeastern states are now adopting this successful model. The current system utilizes data from ISRO and international satellites, but the minister revealed that ASSAMSAT, Assam's first state-owned geostationary satellite announced in the 2025-26 budget, will provide more accurate, faster, and cost-effective information once operational.
Capacity Building and Implementation Roadmap
Acknowledging the technical challenges, Mahanta clarified that satellite construction requires specialized expertise that Assam currently lacks. Therefore, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Science and Technology Minister have sought complete technical assistance from ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. The CM has also personally communicated with Union Minister of Space and Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh, receiving assurances of full cooperation from ISRO.
The implementation structure includes forming a space tech policy cell and a high-level steering committee under the chief secretary's leadership. Government departments will receive specialized training to effectively utilize space data for agricultural advice, disaster warnings, environmental monitoring, and citizen services. Under the National Space Policy framework, ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACE, and private satellite companies will collaboratively participate in developing ASSAMSAT, with a comprehensive schedule for design, development, testing, and launch to be prepared after feasibility studies.
