GUWAHATI: The Assam government is planning to launch a constellation of satellites to monitor illegal migration, drug trafficking, and wildlife, alongside gathering real-time data for disaster management and development across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed this on Tuesday, March 11, in the ongoing state assembly session.
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“These satellites will help us monitor floods, disasters, and national parks, while also conducting surveillance on illegal migrants and drug dealers,” Sarma said.
The chief minister added that Assam aims to deploy at least five small satellites, each costing about ₹70 crore, in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
The satellites would also support sectors like agriculture, road networks, and education, while also providing research opportunities for students.
Dismissing concerns about feasibility, Sarma stated that the state government has been in talks with relevant agencies to develop Assam-specific satellites for year-round data and image collection.
On Monday, Finance Minister Ajanta Neog earlier introduced the proposal for ‘ASSAMSAT’, the state’s first satellite which aims to ensure continuous and reliable data flow for implementing critical socio-economic projects.
