Maharashtra to formulate its own space policy soon, says CM Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that the state government will soon formulate its own space policyGeospatial technology is set to play a crucial role in sustainable development and governance helping ensure that the benefits of progress reach the common citizen From agriculture to administration disaster management to natural resource conservation the integration of space technology is emerging as the way forward Recognizing this Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini RMP in collaboration with ISRO organized the lsquoSpace Tech for Good Governancersquo Conclave at its campus in Uttan near Mumbai fostering discussions on harnessing space technology for a better futureMaharashtras Space Policy Startups and Private Sector ParticipationThe conclave featured insights from key figures in central and state governments Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the growing significance of space technology stating ldquoWith the Prime Ministerrsquos policy for private sector participation India is poised to contribute 810 per cent of the global space tech sector generating a USD 44 billion business Currently 189 space tech startups have attracted USD 124 million in investment The use of remote sensing drones GPS and satellites under the Gati Shakti initiative is enhancing transparency accuracy efficiency resilience and accountability in governance infrastructure land records agriculture insurance and disaster management AI combined with space technology is a powerful tool and Maharashtra will soon work towards its own space policyrdquoDr Jitendra Singh Union MoS Independent Charge for Earth Sciences and Science amp Technology noted in a recorded message that space technology has permeated every Indian household ldquoWith Prime Minister Narendra Modirsquos support space reforms are fostering private sector collaboration and research making space tech a key player in governance agriculture disaster management urban planning and revenue management India is set to play a major role in global space policyrdquo he statedFormer MP and RMP ViceChairman Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe emphasized Indias legacy as a knowledgedriven society ldquoThis conclave unites technology and social science Now we can truly say that the sky is not the limitmdashtherersquos space beyond With technological advancements good governance will be strengthened by lsquosomebodyrsquo up there watchingrdquo he remarkedLt General Vinod G Khandare Retd Principal Advisor Ministry of Defence underscored the broader concept of national security stating ldquoItrsquos not just about military and police forces effective resource utilization is crucial By integrating space technology AI and citizen awareness we can detect and prevent infiltration and sabotagerdquoIndustry and governance leaders come togetherThe conclave hosted 125 participants from six states including leading experts from the technoeconomic and governance sectors Prominent attendees included Dr Prakash Chauhan Director National Remote Sensing Centre NRSC Dr Vinod Kumar Director INSPACe Dr Shirish Ravan Founder EarthSight Foundation Dr SP Aggrawal Director NESAC Rajeev Gambhir Dy Director General SIAIndia and Piyush Gupta Specialist World Economic ForumFrom the governance sector notable participants included Dr Eknath Dawale Principal Secretary Rural Development amp Panchayati Raj Govt of Maharashtra and Padmashri Popatrao Pawar Sarpanch Hiware Bazar Adarsh Gaon MaharashtraCuttingedge technology for rural and urban developmentThe conclave focused on leveraging geospatial technology for societal benefits The first panel discussion examined the role of state governments in space technology while another titled lsquoAntariksh to Antyodayarsquo emphasized bringing technological advancements to grassroots communities Presentations and panel discussions explored realworld applications of geospatial technology including womenrsquos empowerment Gram Panchayat Development Plans forest fire management and rural livelihoodsThe event was organized by RMP in collaboration with EarthSight Foundation Strategic Research amp Growth Foundation SRGF and Dawon with support from ISRO NRSC North East Space Application Centre NESAC SIAIndia and Vasundharaa