Sustainable Development Goals through Remote Sensing and GIS: Perspectives from Indian Government, Industry, and Academia

¹ Azista Industries Private Limited, India
² NRSC/ISRO, India
³ Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

India faces many challenges as it works to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. With its huge population, diverse landscapes, rapidly growing cities, changing weather, and persistent inequalities, the country needs effective tools to understand what is happening at the local level. Satellite remote sensing and GIS have emerged as valuable tools. For instance, NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index increased from 66 in 2020–21 to 71 in 2023–24, indicating measurable improvement. The major improvement is seen in goals such as ending poverty (SDG 1), achieving food security (SDG 2), ensuring health and well-being (SDG 3), providing clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), delivering affordable energy (SDG 7), promoting innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), developing sustainable cities (SDG 11), addressing climate change (SDG 13), conserving oceans (SDG 14), and preserving terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15). This study analyzes how India employs these technologies not only to measure progress but also to accelerate it. It covers the complete workflow, from defining clear baselines and overseeing projects during their execution to objectively assessing their outcomes. The analysis brings together insights from private companies, university research, and government programs. The 2022 National Geospatial Policy provided a strong foundation. The new National Geospatial Mission, announced in the 2025–26 Union Budget, along with ongoing improvements to ISRO’s Bhuvan portal, is making more data available, encouraging partnerships, and supporting new ideas. Gradually, India is building the geospatial infrastructure it needs to achieve the SDGs.