Agartala, August 18: Tripura is planning to expand the use of drone and space technology for surveillance along its international border, forests and difficult terrain, with the State government working towards establishing a dedicated drone hub, Science, Technology and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a National Space Day programme at Pragya Bhavan in Agartala, Debbarma said integrating satellite-based applications with drones could significantly strengthen monitoring and provide timely information from areas that are difficult to access.
“For those working on the ground, space can provide another eye,” Debbarma said, highlighting the role of satellite technology in weather forecasting, forest monitoring and surveillance along the international border.
The Minister said Tripura’s geographical features make such technologies particularly important. With extensive forest cover, hilly terrain and a long international border with Bangladesh, the State requires advanced monitoring systems capable of providing information to field agencies quickly.
Debbarma said efforts are underway to develop Tripura as a drone hub. A centralised monitoring mechanism, supported by drones and satellite imagery, could help authorities track developments in remote areas and strengthen surveillance capabilities.
He said space technology should not remain confined to scientific research but should be translated into practical applications benefiting people and improving governance.
According to the Minister, satellite-based applications could play an important role in agriculture, fisheries, forest conservation, weather forecasting and disaster management. Satellite imagery could help detect forest degradation and assess areas affected by natural disasters, while timely weather information could assist farmers and government agencies.
Debbarma also advocated closer integration between satellites and drones, saying satellites could provide a broader geographical picture while drones could undertake targeted, ground-level monitoring.
The Minister said emerging technologies could also create research and employment opportunities for Tripura’s youth. He encouraged students from institutions, including the National Institute of Technology and Tripura Institute of Technology, to develop expertise in advanced technologies.
“Tripura will have maximum benefit because our human resources are very good quality,” he said.
The National Space Day programme was jointly organised by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and the Tripura Space Applications Centre (TSAC). Senior officials, scientists and experts attended the event, which also featured a technical session on developments and future applications in space science.
