Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the state’s increasing reliance on science and space technology to tackle long-term developmental challenges. The Assam State Space Application Centre (ASSAC) has played a crucial role in enhancing governance and enhancing public service delivery. Over the past five years, ASSAC, previously known as the Assam Remote Sensing Application Centre (ARSAC), has executed more than 60 space and geospatial projects.
Sarma stated, “Assam is utilizing science to address persistent issues. ASSAC has completed over 60 projects in the last five years, focusing on mapping and forecasting to aid government decision-making and service delivery.” The Chief Minister shared that ASSAC accomplished 60 projects in the 2021-26 period, indicating a substantial increase in its activities compared to previous decades.
Data revealed that from 1989 to 2021, spanning 32 years, the organization implemented 82 projects. In contrast, it finished 60 projects in the last five years, showcasing an accelerated adoption of geospatial technologies by the state government. These projects encompass various sectors such as mapping, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and forecasting, facilitating evidence-based policymaking and enhancing the efficient execution of government initiatives.
Officials emphasized the growing importance of satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing data, and predictive analytics in planning infrastructure, monitoring natural resources, disaster management, urban development, agriculture, and environmental conservation. The state government has been actively promoting technology-driven governance by integrating scientific tools into administrative processes to enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric service delivery.
ASSAC serves as the state’s primary agency for geospatial and remote sensing applications, collaborating closely with different government departments to offer scientific insights for planning, monitoring, and executing development projects. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the expanded utilization of space technology will further bolster Assam’s long-term development objectives by facilitating data-informed decisions and more efficient governance across various sectors.
