NESAC maps India-Myanmar border, expands space technology footprint across Northeast

Nearly 130 space-based projects underway as Centre sharpens focus on border management, flood forecasting and resource mapping

Shillong, July 14: The North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) is playing an increasingly strategic role in safeguarding India’s northeastern frontier while driving development through space technology, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday.

During a review of NESAC’s programmes at its Umiam headquarters in Meghalaya, the minister said the Centre is currently undertaking geo-spatial mapping of the India-Myanmar border and inter-state boundaries in the Northeast, alongside a growing portfolio of projects in agriculture, disaster management, water resources, forestry and governance.

The minister said NESAC has evolved into a key institution that is not only supporting national security priorities but also using satellite and geospatial technologies to address the region’s developmental challenges.

Officials informed the minister that NESAC is implementing nearly 130 space application projects across the eight northeastern states, including around 50 completed projects and 78 ongoing initiatives covering agriculture, forestry, urban planning, geosciences, satellite communication, UAV applications, disaster management and capacity building.

Calling the Centre a bridge between India’s space programme and grassroots development, Singh said its collaboration with state governments has enabled space technology to become an effective tool for planning infrastructure, managing natural resources and improving public service delivery.

With the Northeast facing recurring floods every monsoon, the minister asked NESAC to further improve the precision of its flood early warning system, enabling vulnerable communities to receive more location-specific and timely alerts.

He also urged the Centre to work with state governments to replicate successful water harvesting models, including the initiative at the Ramakrishna Mission in Cherrapunjee, to strengthen long-term water security in the region.

Highlighting bamboo as one of the Northeast’s biggest economic resources, Singh called for closer collaboration between NESAC, the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) and state governments to maximise the benefits of the Centre’s ongoing bamboo mapping programme.

Scientific mapping of bamboo resources, he said, would improve resource planning, strengthen the bamboo value chain and promote value addition and sustainable livelihoods.

The minister also stressed the strategic importance of geospatial technologies in India’s border areas, saying NESAC should continue supporting national priorities in sensitive frontier regions while working closely with relevant agencies.

He further encouraged the Centre to strengthen its ‘ManzilNE’ GeoTourism dashboard by involving private tourism stakeholders, saying technology could play a bigger role in showcasing the Northeast’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Singh also called for stronger partnerships between NESAC, central ministries, state governments, research institutions, start-ups and industry to accelerate the adoption of space-based technologies across sectors.

Describing the Northeast as one of India’s fastest-emerging regions under the Modi government, the minister said institutions like NESAC would continue to play a critical role in improving governance, strengthening disaster resilience and supporting sustainable development through cutting-edge space applications.

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