Satellite Communication Strengthens Digital India
Operational communication satellites are being used to provide television broadcasting, Direct-to-Home (DTH) services, telecommunication, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) connectivity, radio networking, Headend In The Sky (HITS) and Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG).
These satellite-based services also enable tele-education, telemedicine and disaster management applications in West Bengal, aligning with the objectives of Digital India.
The BharatNet programme, aimed at providing broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats, further complements satellite-based communication infrastructure in rural regions.
Fisheries Safety Through NavIC Technology
The Department of Fisheries, using ISRO-developed NavIC navigation technology and communication satellites, has rolled out the Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The project provides safety-of-life alerts and disaster warnings to fishermen. It is being implemented in coastal states, including West Bengal, to enhance maritime safety and reduce risks during adverse weather conditions.
The integration of satellite navigation ensures real-time tracking and communication support for fishing vessels operating in deep sea regions.
Geospatial Support for Agriculture
ISRO’s remote sensing capabilities are playing a key role in agricultural monitoring in West Bengal. The Jute Crop Information System has been developed using geospatial tools to assess crop acreage, monitor crop conditions and estimate production.
Production forecasting for potato, a major cash crop in the state, is carried out using satellite-based methods. Crop area estimation for groundnut cultivation is also conducted through remote sensing.
The Bangla Shasya Bima Scheme, a crop insurance initiative, incorporates geospatial technology in partnership with a private insurance provider and technology partner to improve assessment accuracy.
Additionally, carbon exchange studies on jute crops are being conducted in collaboration with ICAR-CRIJAF Barrackpore, leveraging space-based inputs.
Smart Cities and Solar Mapping
ISRO has conducted rooftop Photo Voltaic (PV) potential assessments for 98 smart cities using space inputs. Four of these cities are located in West Bengal.
The satellite-driven assessments help urban planners evaluate solar energy potential, enabling cleaner energy adoption and supporting sustainable development goals.
Bhuvan Geoportal and Rural Planning
The Bhuvan Geoportal, ISRO’s online geospatial platform, provides access to remote sensing data, thematic maps and geotagging services. These tools support rural planning and governance aligned with Digital India requirements.
Government departments and local authorities use the portal for planning infrastructure, monitoring schemes and implementing development projects.
Academic Collaboration in West Bengal
ISRO has strengthened its academic collaboration network to promote research and innovation in space science and technology.
A Space Technology Cell (STC) has been established at IIT Kharagpur. A Regional Academic Centre for Space (RAC-S) at NIT Patna and a Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC) at NIT Rourkela also cover West Bengal under their regional mandates.
Training programmes and workshops are conducted for officials from the Indian Audit & Accounts Department, Tea Board India, Jute Corporation of India Ltd., and academic institutions to build capacity in remote sensing and geospatial applications.
ISRO-sponsored research projects are also allocated to universities and colleges in West Bengal to strengthen the academia-industry ecosystem.
The government’s response highlights how space technology is increasingly becoming an integral part of governance, rural development, agriculture and public safety initiatives across West Bengal and the country.
