Bihar Bets on Remote Sensing and Innovation for Smarter Governance
Patna, October 29: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has said that remote sensing, space technology and scientific innovation will be central to improving governance and driving growth in Bihar.
He made the remarks on Thursday while addressing a two-day 'Space Application Adoption Workshop-2026' at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Science City in Patna. The workshop's theme is 'Using Space-Based Solutions to Empower Governance for a Progressive Bihar.'
The Chief Minister urged researchers and technology professionals to develop applications that fit the state's specific requirements, so that citizens, farmers and public administration can benefit directly.
Two major steps were announced at the event. The 'TechConnect' portal was launched, and the Bihar Remote Sensing Application Centre (BIRSAC) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Survey of India (SoI). Both initiatives are meant to expand technical cooperation and make development programmes more effective through space-based tools.
Choudhary said science, technology and innovation are vital for achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and for realising the goal of a prosperous Bihar pursued by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He recalled that Bihar has been a centre of learning since ancient times and said the legacy of Aryabhata and Acharya Chanakya can be connected with modern scientific thinking to take the state forward.
He highlighted that Bihar's flood problem is linked to water flowing in from Nepal as well as Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Remote sensing and scientific data, he said, can strengthen flood monitoring, water management, agricultural planning and the execution of development plans.
According to the Chief Minister, rainfall had dropped by nearly 32 per cent, yet rivers including the Ganga, Sone and Gandak were still affected by water arriving from other areas. He said such conditions require scientific forecasts, constant tracking of river levels and coordinated water management. He also called for effective steps to make sure Ganga water is used for drinking and irrigation throughout the year.
Choudhary said the state government is committed to making technical education accessible. He cited fees of Rs 10 in engineering colleges and Rs 5 in polytechnic colleges as an example of efforts to open doors for young people. He also spoke about a plan to develop 12 new townships inspired by historical heritage and stressed the role of modern technology in planned urban development.
He urged departments and technical institutions to coordinate more closely and to link innovations with public welfare.
Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Science, Technology and Technical Education Minister Sheela Kumari and several other officials and experts were present at the workshop.