The Water Resources Department, Meghalaya, under the National Hydrology Project, along with Central Water Commission (CWC), North eastern Space Application Centre (NeSAC), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Survey of India.
(SoI) and National Institute of Hydrology- North eastern Regional Centre (NIH-NERC) as co-
Organisers, hosted the National Space Day Workshop on the 13th of August, 2024, at the Shillong State Convention Centre, focusing on the theme, “Space Technology for Sustainable Water Resources Management.”
The event brought together experts from various fields to discuss innovative solutions for managing water resources using space technology. The workshop began with a formal inauguration and a warm welcome by Shri. S. C. Sadhu, IAS, Secretary of the Water Resources Department.
In his opening speech, he emphasized the crucial role of space technology in addressing water management challenges in Meghalaya and beyond. Dr. K. K. Sharma, Group Head of Remote Sensing & GIS at NeSAC, delivered the keynote address, highlighting India’s remarkable space journey starting from the 1960s and encouraged everyone to take advantage of the evolving space policy that offers exciting opportunities for new generations and startups to contribute to India’s growing space
economy.
The Chief Guest, Shri. C. Ymbon, Hon’ble Minister in charge of the Water Resources Department, underscored the Government’s commitment to leveraging technological innovations for effective water management. “By harnessing the power of space technology, we can ensure equitable access to clean water, promote environmental sustainability, and build resilient communities for generations to come.” Shri. Ymbon remarked.
Throughout the day, experts presented various topics, including the application of satellite
data in water resources management and innovations in surveying techniques. Notably, Dr. Swapnali Barman, a Scientist from NIH-NERC, and Shri. Ranjit Das, a Scientist from NeSAC discussed the potential and practical applications of space technology in the water resources sector while Shri. Rajiv Kumar Shrivastava, Director of the Survey of India, highlighted the transition of survey methods from traditional to modern methods with the use of Space technology.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri. N. Jiten Singh, Deputy Commissioner of the National Hydrology Project. The National Space Day Workshop successfully highlighted the vital role of space technology in water management and fostered discussions on practical applications for sustainable development. As participants dispersed, the consensus was clear: continued collaboration and innovation are essential for safeguarding our water resources.