NAMSAI, AUG 20:
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Thursday said greater use of space technology could significantly strengthen development planning, disaster preparedness and sustainable management of resources in Arunachal Pradesh.
Mein was speaking at the inaugural programme of National Space Day 2026 celebrations at Namsai, organised jointly by the Arunachal Pradesh Space Application Centre (APSAC) and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC).
He said India’s space programme had evolved from an endeavour focused primarily on exploration into a powerful tool for nation-building and improving people’s lives. Satellite-based technologies, remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS) and other space applications, he said, were increasingly contributing to disaster management, agriculture, natural resource mapping, infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring and governance.
He said the importance of space technology was particularly significant for Arunachal Pradesh due to its vast geographical area, difficult terrain, rich natural resources and vulnerability to earthquakes, landslides and floods. Greater application of space-based technologies could strengthen planning, improve disaster preparedness and support inclusive and sustainable development, he added.
Mein appreciated the participation of students and their interaction with scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), saying such exposure would encourage curiosity, scientific thinking and innovation. He said continued engagement with ISRO, APSAC and NESAC could inspire more students from the state to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and related fields.
Highlighting the contribution of APSAC and NESAC, Mein said their work in resource mapping, agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure planning and environmental monitoring had considerable potential to support the state’s development priorities.
Later, Mein inspected the site of the upcoming state-of-the-art Science Centre (Category-II) and 10-metre Dome Digital Planetarium (Category-II) at Namsai. The facility is being developed under the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The project is being implemented by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), with the Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology under the Department of Science and Technology as the state nodal agency. The Public Works Department (PWD), Namsai Division, is executing the construction.
Mein reviewed the progress of work and directed the executing agency to maintain quality standards and expedite construction. He urged the PWD to make every effort to complete the building ahead of the scheduled completion date of March 2028 so that the facility could be made operational for students and the public at the earliest.
He said the Science Centre and Planetarium would strengthen the state’s scientific and educational infrastructure by providing students and citizens opportunities to engage with science, astronomy and space exploration through interactive learning and modern technology.
Mein said Arunachal Pradesh had immense potential to benefit from advancements in space technology and must continue to strengthen collaboration with national institutions. He said investment in education, science, technology and innovation would contribute to the state’s vision of Viksit Arunachal Pradesh and the larger national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul, Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Science and Technology Secretary Wayong Khimun, ISRO Scientist/Engineer ‘G’ Dr Nagendra B R, Science and Technology Director Dr Chau Dhanya Mungyak, APSAC Director Dr H Dutta, APSAC Joint Director Dr Liagi Tajo and NESAC State Coordinator Arunachal Pradesh Dr Chandan Goswami were among those present.
The programme featured interactions with ISRO scientists, talks on India’s space programme and Moon missions, presentations on space applications for societal benefit, an exhibition, audio-visual presentations and a quiz competition for students.
