Patna, Oct 29 Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday called on scientists to develop practical, state-specific solutions to tackle challenges such as floods, water management and agricultural planning, ensuring their benefits reach people on the ground.
Addressing the two-day ‘Space Application Adoption Workshop-2026’ at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Science City in Patna, Choudhary stressed the need to integrate space-based technology, remote sensing and scientific data into governance and development programmes.
He launched the ‘TechConnect’ portal, while the Bihar Remote Sensing Application Centre (BIRSAC) and the Survey of India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen technological cooperation.
The chief minister said such technologies could improve flood forecasting, river-level monitoring, irrigation planning and public service delivery, helping Bihar contribute to the goal of a developed India by 2047.
He also called for greater coordination among government departments and technical institutions to ensure that innovations were effectively implemented.
Referring to Bihar’s recurring flood problems, Choudhary emphasised the importance of scientific forecasting and better utilisation of river water for drinking and irrigation.
The workshop focused on deploying space-based applications to address the state’s developmental challenges and improve administrative efficiency.
Choudhary said the state had been a centre of knowledge, education and enlightenment since ancient times.
The contributions of personalities such as mathematician Aryabhata and philosopher Acharya Chanakya reflected its distinguished intellectual tradition, he said.
Combining this legacy with modern scientific thinking and technological capabilities could open new avenues for the state’s development, he added.
Referring to rainfall patterns and river levels, Choudhary noted that despite an approximately 32 per cent shortfall in rainfall, water inflows from outside the state had affected levels in rivers such as the Ganga, Son and Gandak.
In these circumstances, scientific forecasting, continuous monitoring of river levels and coordinated water management were particularly important, he said.
The chief minister also stressed the need to make more effective use of river water in Bihar, saying measures should be taken to ensure the year-round utilisation of Ganga water for essential purposes, including drinking water and irrigation.
Scientific studies, improved planning and coordination with neighbouring states would be crucial to achieving this, he said.
Noting the state government’s efforts to make technical education more accessible, Choudhary said fees had been set at Rs 10 in engineering colleges and Rs 5 in polytechnic colleges to provide young people with greater opportunities to pursue technical education.
(PTI News)
