Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Thursday said space science and technology were unlocking unprecedented opportunities for regional development, transforming sectors from disaster management to infrastructure planning across the state and the wider Northeast.

Speaking at the inaugural programme of the National Space Day celebrations, jointly hosted by the Arunachal Pradesh Space Application Centre (APSAC) and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) at Namsai, Mein said space applications remained vital for natural resource mapping, agriculture and modern governance.

He highlighted the importance of nurturing scientific temperament among young people and expressed enthusiasm over the active participation of students in the programme.

Mein said the curiosity of young students and their interaction with scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) would serve as a foundation for future technological breakthroughs.

To further promote scientific interest among students, Mein pointed to the upcoming establishment of a Science Centre and Digital Planetarium in Namsai.

He said the facility would inspire students to look beyond horizons and help strengthen the scientific culture in the region.

The deputy chief minister urged citizens and stakeholders to continuously leverage science, technology and innovation to build a resilient and self-reliant state.

He said the efforts were aligned with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Mein said space-based applications had the potential to support development planning and improve governance across Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of the Northeast.

The National Space Day celebrations brought together students, scientists and officials to highlight the growing role of space technology in addressing regional development challenges.

Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul, Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Science and Technology Secretary Wayong Khimhun, and senior scientists and officials from ISRO, NESAC and APSAC were also present.