Space Technology Based Disaster Management and Its Societal Implications

Abstract

ISRO has been pioneer in embarking the concept of using space technology based societal benefits. It started with vision to utilize space technology for national development. It is also evident that ISRO has actively responded to many developmental spheres of the country. Within last three decades, there has been paradigm shift in the ways of using space technologies for socially relevant fields and disaster management is no exception. Apparently, in present context, when discussing about ISRO and space technology, mostly it is linked with space expeditions, spacecrafts and satellites. Nevertheless, the fact is that these satellites are used to address the developmental need and challenges of the country. ISRO has successfully demonstrated diversified use of satellites benefitting the society directly as well as indirectly. In this context the present study argues that disaster management is an inclusive approach and it addresses disasters from socio-political milieu and ISRO’s approach towards disaster management from societal perspective. ISRO’s earth observation initiatives coupled with geo spatial technologies and satellite communication and navigation are catering many user driven applications for disaster management, climate and environment. These applications are operationally addressing various natural disasters like floods, cyclone, drought, landslides, earthquakes and forest fires. This approach study further narrates how ISRO is instrumental in building disaster resilient nation through its proactive approach. It is a qualitative attempt to understand societal implications of ISRO’s space based disaster management approach and Disaster Management Support (DMS) programme.