Fishermen will be given app to track weather: ISRO chairman

K Sivan, Chairman of ISRO said that the app will be given to 500 fishermen in Kerala and 200 fishermen in Kanniyakumari. The trial conducted with NavIC through fishermen in Kerala has worked successfully as the app will give them information in their native language and also inform them about adverse weather conditions and help them reach the shore on time. 

The app will help fishermen identify fishing spots and also determine location. This will help them to avoid crossing territorial waters of neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, said Sivan. 

Addressing the media after the felicitation function at his native village of Sarakkalvilai, Sivan said that when Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he made optimum use of space applications for the development of the state. 

He also said that on the directions of Modi, several government departments have come up with solutions through satellite technology and presently ISRO is actively working on 158 projects. 

Sivan also said that 42 Indian satellites are in space and the country needs at least 45 more. Stating that India is now launching a satellite every two months, he said efforts are on to launch more to extend its benefits to the common man. 

Satellite technology could be used to not only identify water spots but also to trace naxalites. “Satellites to be launched in the near future would take high speed connectivity, tele-medicine and tele-education to the every nook and corner of the country,” he said.

Sivan further added that development of semi cryogenic engines is under way and that it would take time for testing and putting it to use to lift satellites in to space.