Use of Space Technology Applications in Governance

Space technology includes space vehicles such as spacecraft, satellites, space stations and orbital launch vehicles; deep-space communication; in-space propulsion; and a wide variety of other technologies including support infrastructure equipment, and procedures.

Space technology is used by the Indian government for many applications, including: 

Disaster management: Satellite data can be used to monitor natural disasters like floods, cyclones, landslides, earthquakes, and forest fires. 

Weather forecasting: Satellites carry meteorological payloads to support weather forecasting services. 

Radio networking: INSAT provides reliable high-fidelity program channels for national and regional networking. 

Agriculture: Space technology can be used to monitor crop development to improve yields and assess potential threats to harvests. 

Sustainable land use: Space technology can be used to support sustainable land use. 

Conservation of non-renewable resources: Space technology can be used to support the conservation of non-renewable resources. 

Urban planning: Space technology can be used to support urban planning. 

Natural resource management: Space technology can be used to support natural resource management. 

Border security: Space technology can be used to safeguard the country's borders. 

Outer space protection: Space technology can be used to protect Indian interests in outer space. 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is at the forefront of using space technology for a wide range of applications. 

The Government of India is leveraging space technology in various governance applications, enhancing efficiency, decision-making, and service delivery across sectors. Here are some key areas and examples that can be taught to Government of India officers:

1. Remote Sensing for Resource Management

• Bhuvan Portal: Developed by ISRO, Bhuvan is a geospatial platform that provides satellite imagery and earth observation data for land use planning, disaster management, and infrastructure monitoring. It supports various ministries, including rural development, agriculture, and urban planning.

  • Example: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) uses Bhuvan to monitor housing projects across India, ensuring transparency and timely progress.

• FASAL (Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agrometeorology, and Land-based observations): FASAL uses satellite data to estimate agricultural production, helping in decision-making regarding crop planning and food security.

  • Example: Accurate crop yield predictions help the Ministry of Agriculture make informed policy decisions on food distribution.

2. Disaster Management and Relief Operations

• National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC): NRSC provides real-time satellite data to help monitor and manage disasters like floods, droughts, and cyclones.

  • Example: During Cyclone Fani (2019), satellite imagery was used to predict the cyclone's path, allowing the government to evacuate people and plan relief operations effectively.

• Disaster Management Support Programme (DMSP): A space-based initiative that delivers satellite data for early warning and post-disaster damage assessment.

  • Example: Satellite mapping of flood-prone areas, like the Brahmaputra basin, helps the government prepare and mitigate flood impacts.

3. Urban Planning and Smart Cities

• Smart Cities Mission: Space technology is integral to the Smart Cities Mission, providing data for urban infrastructure planning, traffic management, and monitoring environmental parameters like air quality.

  • Example: Satellite data helps map urban expansion and optimize resource allocation, such as road networks and water supply systems.

• Geo-tagging of Government Projects: Various urban development projects are geo-tagged using space-based data for real-time monitoring and transparency.

  • Example: AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) projects are geo-tagged and monitored using satellite imagery to ensure that urban infrastructure development is on track.

4. Forestry and Environmental Monitoring

• Forest Survey of India (FSI): ISRO's satellite technology is used for forest mapping and monitoring forest cover across the country.

  • Example: The National Mission for Green India uses space technology to assess deforestation and monitor afforestation efforts.

• Environmental Monitoring: Satellite data helps monitor air pollution, water bodies, and coastal ecosystems, supporting government efforts for environmental conservation.

  • Example: The Namami Gange programme uses space-based monitoring to track pollution levels and water quality along the Ganga River.

5. Rural Development and Land Records Management

• Swasthya Bharat (Health Mission): Space technology is used to monitor public health initiatives in rural areas through telemedicine and geo-mapping of healthcare facilities.

• National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA): The geo-tagging of assets created under NREGA ensures transparency and accountability in project implementation.

  • Example: Rural roads, wells, and water conservation structures are geo-tagged and monitored through satellite imagery to ensure proper utilization of funds and resources.

6. Satellite Communication for Connectivity

• Telemedicine and Tele-education: Satellite communication bridges the connectivity gap in remote areas, providing healthcare and education services where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable.

  • Example: ISRO’s Telemedicine Network connects remote health centers with specialist doctors in urban areas, allowing real-time diagnosis and consultations.

• Village Resource Centres (VRCs): These centers provide services like telemedicine, agricultural information, and disaster management to rural and remote communities.

  • Example: Farmers in remote areas receive real-time weather forecasts and crop advisory services through VRCs, helping them optimize agricultural practices.

7. Monitoring Government Schemes

• GeoMGNREGA: An initiative that uses geospatial technology to track the progress of assets created under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

  • Example: Every asset created, like roads, wells, and ponds, is geo-tagged and monitored using satellite data to ensure accountability and reduce leakages in the system.

• National Agriculture Market (eNAM): Space technology helps track agricultural markets and logistics, ensuring better price discovery for farmers.

  • Example: Satellite data helps map agricultural produce movements, aiding in supply chain optimization for farm produce.

8. Border and Coastal Security

• Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NavIC): India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC, helps with border and coastal security by providing precise location data.

  • Example: NavIC supports Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Coast Guard operations by providing real-time location tracking of personnel, vehicles, and vessels along the borders and coastlines.

• National Coastal Information System: Satellite data is used to monitor coastal erosion, illegal fishing, and maritime security.

  • Example: The government uses satellite monitoring to track illegal fishing vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), protecting marine resources and national security.

Conclusion

The Government of India’s use of space technology spans across governance sectors, improving decision-making, transparency, and service delivery. Officers can understand how these technologies are applied practically to enhance their roles in various government initiatives and schemes. This knowledge allows for more effective policy implementation and monitoring, leading to better governance outcomes.