ISRO working on systems to forecast natural disasters: govt

ISRO is working on systems to forecast natural disasters that could be used as input by the states and disaster management agencies, the government today told the Lok Sabha.
In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, said the country's space agency is carrying out studies to facilitate best use of the satellite derived information to develop methodologies for forecasting natural disasters.
Singh said, some of these technologies that have already been transferred to the India Meteorological Department are forecasting cyclone formation, tracking its intensity using satellite-based observation, flood early warning system, heavy rainfall and cloud burst alerts and extreme weather conditions.

The Department of Space comes under the PMO.
In response to another question, Singh said, in order to cope up with the enhanced national requirements of space systems and service, ISRO is making "focussed" efforts through appropriate transfer of technology to enhance involvement of Indian industries towards production of indigenous systems.
"Discussions are being held with the Indian industry towards formulating a plan and strategy to enhance the capacity and capability of managing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle programme on an end-to-end basis," Singh.
PSLV is ISRO's premier launch vehicle with a proven track record.
He added that ISRO has involved a consortium of six industries for assembly, integration and testing of two similar satellites, wherein the sub-system and infrastructure is being provided by ISRO.