Assam to Establish Advanced ISRO Radar Research Facility in Chandrapur

Foundation Stone Laid for ISRO's Radar Research Centre

Guwahati, Sept 21: Assam is poised to welcome a state-of-the-art radar research facility from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Chandrapur, following the foundation stone ceremony led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday.

Sarma emphasized the facility's role in enhancing scientific observation of rainfall and flood patterns, noting that the state Cabinet had approved the allocation of land for this initiative.

“Two years back, ISRO expressed interest in establishing a centre in Assam, equipped with multiple radars. These instruments will facilitate scientific investigations into space phenomena and their impacts on our region and the nation. They will provide advance warnings for floods, rainfall, and other critical events,” Sarma stated.

The research centre will be developed on approximately 200 bighas, equivalent to nearly 70 acres, provided by the Assam government.

This facility aims to conduct advanced research on atmospheric and weather-related occurrences, generating vital scientific data regarding rainfall and flooding.

The Chief Minister mentioned that ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan had indicated that the first radar, focused on cloud research, is scheduled to be installed in February.

This initiative is expected to enhance Assam's capabilities in weather analysis and provide crucial data for predicting rainfall and other atmospheric events associated with flooding.

Sarma recalled that the Chandrapur site previously hosted a thermal power plant that utilized furnace oil for electricity generation.

“As times changed, the cost of electricity production became unsustainable, leading to the gradual relocation of the Assam State Electricity Board from this site,” he explained.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Narayanan for their support, asserting that the radar facilities would establish Assam as a significant hub for space technology development.

He assured ISRO of the state's unwavering support for the project's expansion.

“I assure ISRO that beyond this land, we are prepared to provide any assistance required for the project's growth. There will be no limits to our support. We aspire to exceed your current expectations,” Sarma remarked.

Sarma also requested ISRO's collaboration in enhancing Assam's Science City.

“I invite Dr. Narayanan to visit Science City, which I proudly claim is one of the finest in India. I seek technological and other forms of cooperation from ISRO to strengthen our Science City,” he added.

The Chief Minister connected this project to what he termed Assam's evolving development narrative, highlighting the state's progress beyond a past marked by protests and unrest.

“There was a time when groups like ULFA or NDFB were synonymous with Assam's identity. However, over the past decade, our persistent efforts, alongside the people's contributions, have significantly advanced the state's development,” he concluded.