AP CM stresses on welfare utility of Space technology

Hyderabad, Sep 24 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today exhorted the space scientists to focus on applying Space Technology for the benefit of humanity and reiterated his government's commitment to introduce public-private partnership for ushering in an era of technology to make country strong and proud.

Speaking at the 58th International Astronuatical Congress, Dr Reddy said the need of the hour was to focus on the plight of common man, on poverty, lack of housing, water scarcity, non-availability of food and other socio-economic and ecological issues.

Lauding the organisers for aptly choosing 'Humanity: Space for improving quality of life' as the theme of discussions, he said the State had benefitted a lot from space technology in the field of irrigation, land administration, infrastructure development, tele-medicine and tele-education.

He said he had apprised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the extent of flood damage in 2006 using space technology, with the support of the Indian Space Research Organisation and the National Remote Sensing Agency.

UNI