SHILLONG/NONGPOH, July 14: Satellite technology is now at the forefront of resolving the Northeast’s volatile border disputes, with Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh revealing on Tuesday that the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) is spearheading the geospatial mapping of both the India-Myanmar frontier and sensitive inter-state boundaries.
During a visit to the Umiam-based centre, Dr Singh stated that NESAC has evolved into a critical institution for national strategic priorities. The centre is currently implementing nearly 130 projects targeting agriculture, disaster management, and water resources. NESAC Director Dr SP Aggarwal reported that 50 initiatives were recently completed, while 78 remain ongoing across the eight Northeastern states.
Dr Singh called for a push into the bamboo sector, directing NESAC to collaborate with the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC). The objective is to use scientific mapping to strengthen the bamboo value chain and create sustainable livelihoods for local growers.
Addressing the region’s recurring natural crises, the Minister urged the centre to increase the precision of its flood early warning systems—a vital tool for the flood-prone plains of the Garo Hills and Ri-Bhoi—and to promote water harvesting models to address regional water scarcity.
On the strategic front, Dr Singh noted that NESAC’s capabilities are being leveraged to support national security in border regions. He also suggested expanding the ‘ManzilNE’ GeoTourism dashboard through private sector participation to better monetise the region’s natural heritage.
In a separate engagement at Umiam, Dr Jitendra Singh chaired a review meeting with the Ri-Bhoi district administration to assess Centrally Sponsored Schemes. While Ri-Bhoi is classified as an “Aspirational District,” the review focused on closing persistent gaps in healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure.
Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Dr Abhishek Saini briefed the Minister on efforts to improve rural road connectivity and the distribution of health cards to farmers. Dr Singh urged officials to move beyond traditional administrative roles and adopt innovative approaches to ensure developmental benefits reach the most marginalised sectors of the district.
