New Delhi, Aug 20 (KNO): The Government of India is undertaking several projects to enhance satellite-based communication and remote sensing in the Union Territory of Ladakh. These efforts aim to improve telecommunication, disaster management and resource monitoring in the strategically important region.
According to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and the Prime Minister’s Office, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing multiple satellites, including Resourcesat-3 & 3A, Resourcesat-3S & 3SA, HRSAT, G20 Satellite, and TRISHNA Satellite, scheduled for launch by 2027-2028.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), these satellites will improve remote sensing observations, benefitting Ladakh along with the rest of the country.
Currently, various Indian remote sensing satellites such as Cartosat-2 series, Cartosat-3, Resourcesat-2 & 2A, RISAT-1A, INSAT-3DR & 3DS, Oceansat-3, SARAL, and NISAR provide data coverage over Ladakh. The Union Territory also falls under the coverage of 12 operational communication satellites, which support telecommunication and broadband services.
In addition, 10 foreign satellites and three Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth Orbit constellations have authorization to offer services in Ladakh.
ISRO has undertaken natural resource monitoring and disaster management projects specifically targeting Ladakh. Under the Natural Resources Census Programme, ISRO monitors land degradation, desertification, and wastelands nationally, including the Himalayan region and Ladakh. The “Mountain Ecosystem Studies of Northwest Himalaya,” which covers Ladakh, focuses on natural hazards and geodynamics monitoring.
Several remote sensing applications have been implemented in Ladakh, such as Ladakh Specific Modelling and Space Applications (LAMA): This project conducts scientific investigations into natural resources, environment, and climate change in Ladakh, and has developed a customized dynamic geoportal for resource assessment and management.
Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Geoportal (Geo-Ladakh): This geoportal and database support bio-resource expansion, agriculture and horticulture management, artificial glacier development, water conservation, solar and wind energy harvesting, and flood hazard assessment.
AMRUT-1.0: A large-scale urban geospatial database created using high-resolution satellite data for GIS-based master plans of Leh and Kargil towns. AMRUT-2.0: Development of a waterbody information system for Leh and Kargil.
Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) Change Analysis: Assessment of land use changes for 2020-21 and projections for 2025-26.
The Disaster Management Support Programme (DMSP) of ISRO/Department of Space provides satellite data inputs to relevant ministries and departments for effective disaster management in Ladakh and the broader Himalayan region.
Regarding infrastructure development, an optical telescope is being established at Hanle, Ladakh under the NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis) project. This facility will be used for tracking objects in geostationary orbit (GEO), reflecting the strategic importance of Ladakh—(KNO)