(a) the role assigned to the North Eastern Space Application Centre;
(b) whether the said Centre has achieved its assigned objectives;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the action the Government proposes to take to make the Centre more effective?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a) The role assigned to North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC), which was established in September 2000, is to provide space science and technology support, including developing infrastructure, to adopt space inputs to developmental activities in the region.
(b) Yes, Sir.
(c)&(d) Since its establishment, NE-SAC has made significant contribution by generating information using space-based remote sensing for developmental planning and natural resources management, implementing satellite-based communication for education, health and other developmental activities and undertaking scientific research in the field of global climate change by associating academic institutions in the North Eastern region.
Some of the important projects completed include:
- Assessment of Jhum areas in East Garo Hills District, Meghalaya. - Preparation of Forest Working Plans in Eastern Assam Forest Circle and NC Hills District, Assam - Citrus decline study in Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya - Developing a Web-enabled road information system for Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya - Creation of a Natural Resource database for East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya - Rice Ecosystem Development plan in Satar Mianar Hour, Tripura - Urban Sprawl study of Shillong (Meghalaya), Tinsukia (Assam) and Aizawl (Mizoram) - Updating of wasteland maps for Nagaland and Meghalaya - Setting up an Agriculture planning and information bank for East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya - Mapping of potential water bodies for inland fisheries development in Meghalaya - Estimation of crop area and yield in Hilly regions of NER - Mapping of the stable sandbars of Brahmaputra for horticulture development - Providing 11 hospitals of NE States with telemedicine systems which are connected to the super speciality hospitals in the country