With a view to provide further boost to space technology-based industries, Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra chief minister, has announced the government’s plan to formulate a space policy shortly.

The announcement was made during the "Space-Tech for Good Governance" conference held at Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini in Uttan, Bhayander, Thane district.

Emphasizing that the future belonged to space technology, Fadnavis in his address, asserted that the integration of space technology with artificial intelligence will propel Maharashtra into a new era of development. He underscored the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance governance and accelerate progress across various sectors.

The space technology has become an inevitable aspect of public life. It has given boost to industrial units and also holds important role in good governance, he said.

The chief minister noted the increasing adoption of space technology in recent years, highlighted its transformative impact. “Currently, 189 space start-ups are operating in India, contributing to fields like remote sensing, drone GPS, and geospatial mapping, which have significantly improved transparency and efficiency in governance,” he said.

The conference was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Lieutenant General Vinod Khandare (Retd.), Dr. Prakash Chavan, Vice President of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, and Dr. Vinay Sahastrabudhe, among others.

Space tech in Maharashtra: Space and remote sensing technology is being leveraged in Maharashtra to aid and enhance projects like:

 The Jalyukt Shivar Scheme leverages space technology to effectively plan water resources in 20,000 villages.

 Advanced space tech enables early warning systems to monitor landslides, floods and earthquakes.

 Enhance medical infrastructure and digital learning initiatives.

QUOTE

In 2014, India had just one space technology start-up. Today, we have 189 start-ups. These attracted investments worth 124 million dollars.