Leh: The Government of India is rolling out a series of satellite-based initiatives to strengthen communication, disaster management, and resource monitoring in Ladakh, acknowledging the region’s strategic and ecological significance.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Personnel, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is developing multiple satellites such as Resourcesat-3 and 3A, Resourcesat-3S and 3SA, HRSAT, G20 Satellite, and TRISHNA, which are scheduled for launch between 2027 and 2028.
These upcoming projects are expected to enhance remote sensing observations and deliver critical data for Ladakh alongside the rest of the country.
Currently, several Indian satellites including the Cartosat-2 and Cartosat-3 series, Resourcesat-2 and 2A, RISAT-1A, INSAT-3DR and 3DS, Oceansat-3, SARAL, and NISAR already provide data coverage in Ladakh.
The Union Territory is also covered by 12 operational communication satellites that enable telecommunication and broadband connectivity, while 10 foreign satellites and three Low and Medium Earth Orbit constellations have been authorised to provide services in the region.
ISRO has further initiated dedicated projects tailored for Ladakh’s unique landscape and challenges. Under the Natural Resources Census Programme, the organisation monitors land degradation, desertification and wastelands across the country, including in Ladakh.
The Mountain Ecosystem Studies of Northwest Himalaya project also covers the Union Territory and focuses on tracking natural hazards and geodynamic activity in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Remote sensing technology has already been put to use in Ladakh through several initiatives. The Ladakh Specific Modelling and Space Applications programme has been carrying out scientific studies on natural resources, climate change and the environment while creating a geoportal customised for local resource management.
Another project, Geo-Ladakh, provides a spatial data infrastructure that aids agriculture and horticulture planning, water conservation, renewable energy development and flood hazard assessments. ISRO has also created GIS-based master plans of Leh and Kargil towns under AMRUT 1.0, and under AMRUT 2.0 is developing a comprehensive waterbody information system.
Land use and land cover assessments have been conducted for 2020-21 with projections extending up to 2025-26.
For disaster preparedness, ISRO’s Disaster Management Support Programme is supplying vital satellite-based data to different ministries and agencies to strengthen response systems in Ladakh and the wider Himalayan belt.
Adding to these developments, an advanced optical telescope is being established at Hanle under the NETRA project, which will be used for tracking objects in geostationary orbit. The telescope is another indicator of Ladakh’s growing importance in India’s space research and strategic infrastructure.
