First LAMA Geoportal inaugurated in Ladakh
Leh, Aug 25: Ladakh took a significant stride towards technology-driven governance and academic advancement today with the inauguration of the Ladakh Specific Modelling and Space Applications (LAMA) Geoportal at the University of Ladakh.
The portal, developed by the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO, Ahmedabad, has been tailored to address the Himalayan region’s unique needs through advanced tools for regional planning, sustainable resource management, and scientific research.
The event was hosted by the University of Ladakh in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and SAC–ISRO, Ahmedabad. Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, joined virtually as the Chief Guest and formally launched the LAMA portal. The inauguration also marked the release of the LAMA Project Report—a University publication—and a special documentary on the initiative.
The programme began with a felicitation and welcome address by Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh.
Addressing the gathering virtually, Hon’ble Executive Councillor Ghulam Mehdi, LAHDC Leh, extended congratulations on behalf of the Hon’ble CEC and the Council to ISRO scientists and the University team for bringing the LAMA initiative to fruition. He noted that the portal will play a crucial role in connecting Ladakh with cutting-edge technology and underscored the importance of harnessing innovation for the region’s progress.
Dr. Mehul R. Pandya, Principal Investigator of the LAMA Project and Group Director, SAC–ISRO Ahmedabad, expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble LG, LAHDC Leh, and the University of Ladakh on behalf of the project team. He explained that the portal is designed as a platform for knowledge-sharing and practical applications, urging various departments to actively use its demonstrations and hands-on features. He also encouraged continuous feedback to enhance the portal in line with Ladakh’s evolving needs.
The event also featured remarks from Dr. Nilesh M. Desai, Director, SAC–ISRO, and Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Deputy Director, EPSA SAC–ISRO, both of whom joined virtually as Guests of Honour. Dr. Subrat Sharma, Coordinator, along with other ISRO scientists, was present at the ceremony.
The LAMA Web Portal integrates space-based applications for Ladakh, enabling advanced environmental monitoring, resource management, and data-driven decision-making. The initiative is expected to significantly benefit the region while positioning Ladakh on the global scientific map through ISRO’s upcoming missions.
