GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO.64
TO BE ANSWERED ON 27/11/2006

DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL DISASTER INFORMATION SYSTEM

*64. SHRI VEDPRAKASH P. GOYAL:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Government are planning to develop a National Disaster Information System (NDIS), which will alert all citizens before any natural disaster and terrorist attack through their mobile phones, landlines and wireless.

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) how long it will take to be functional; and

(d) how far it will be useful in protecting us in the event of any disaster?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES.
(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT AS REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.64 FOR 27.11.2006 REGARDING "DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL DISASTER INFORMATION SYSTEM"

(a) & (b): Technologies are being developed which will allow us in the future to alert citizen before the natural disaster. The nature of the technology will differ depending upon the nature of the disaster. Pilot projects are being undertaken to develop such technologies and to acquire capabilities for alerting our citizens. Thus far, we do not have the necessary technology in place.

In case of Natural Disasters which are results of Cyclones, Typhoons, Strom surges, Tsunami, etc it is possible to give advance information. By monitoring such natural events it is technologically possible to alert our citizens in advance because of the time lead involved in such natural events reaching and impacting our citizens. But, natural disasters such as earthquakes, cloud burst, etc. with the technology available thus far, are difficult to predict. Science is in the process of better understanding such phenomenon with the hope of developing technologies for providing possible alerts in future.

Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science and Technology, has provided financial assistance to a company M/s. Geneva Software Technologies Limited, Bangalore for a pilot project for development of Natural Disaster Information System (NDIS) under which alert messages generated in English language at IMD were converted automatically in regional languages and sent under text / voice mode to the identified telephone/mobile numbers, and also in voice mode through wireless, in the selected areas of Nagapattinam coastal area and at Chennai City.

As far as terrorist attacks are concerned, it is difficult to alert the citizens based on the available technologies. However, it is possible to envisage the development of appropriate technologies in the future depending upon the nature of terrorist attacks.

(c) & (d): Pilot project has been technically developed and successfully demonstrated. However, in order to make it functional, we require resources and network for the same. It is difficult to say when such a system will be fully functional.

It may be mentioned that the technology developed is a generic technology and it has got multiple applications in information system for alerting and also giving messages of social relevance. Such technology can also be used for disseminating/sending audio messages to land line phones and also disseminating information through the wireless public address systems. Such information can be disseminated in case of rains, floods, landslides, railway accidents, traffic jams, health related messages, fires, etc.

In order to transmit the messages pertaining to natural disasters etc. there is need to develop/provide public private partnership for effective communication. The message can also be transmitted as scrolling message on T.V. networks.

The technology has been demonstrated to the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Disaster Management Authority for further appropriate action.

Applications of NDIS Software System

1. Early warning systems for Tsunamis, Earthquakes Instant warning on the origin of the Tsunamis and earthquakes.
2. Warning systems for Flash Floods
3. Information on Heavy Rains, Cyclones
4. Emergency warnings for Landslides
5. Post alert systems for Terrorist Attacks
6. Warning systems for fire
7. Protection of public places and heritage buildings
8. Warning systems for Coast Guards/Ships Vessels etc
9. Information on Epidemics & ITS PRECAUTION
10. Warning systems for Bird Flu, SARS
11. Warning systems on water related health hazards
12. Warning systems for Riots/ Disturbances etc
13. Warning systems in Road traffic management
14. Vital alerts to deviate traffic in case of major accidents etc
15. Post disaster information systems
16. Alternate warning systems such as Multi-Channel warning systems including satellite communication, Wireless 2 way radio etc
17. Warning systems for the BSF / Military Applications
18. Alerts for evacuation in case of Chemical spill from Chemical & Polluting Industries
    

NOTE FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

The Project Background

Technology Development Board (TDB) has signed an agreement with M/s Geneva Software Technologies Limited (GSTL), Bangalore, for the development and commercial implementation of Natural Language Framework Technology for Enterprise and Telecom Applications.

The Natural Language Framework is software that migrates software products, websites, intranets, SMS, MMS etc., into any local language and communicates to the user at the choice of any language as may be required by him. The company has filed the applications for the US and PCT, Switzerland patent for this technology. This technology is capable of handling any language, rendering language characters on any display independent of the environment. The SMS application is able to adapt to a large range of mobile handsets with uniform performance.

While approving the loan assistance on the basis of the recommendations of the Project Evaluation Committee, the Sub-committee of the Board, suggested that this technology for SMS application in regional languages may be explored for sending warnings of impending natural calamities to the people located in the specific region. At that time, the Sub-committee had kept in view the extensive damage caused to people and property by the Tsunami on 26th December 2004.

In this backdrop series of brainstorming sessions were organised. Subsequent to the Brainstorming Session, company submitted a pilot project on Natural Disaster Information System (NDIS) for issuing warning signals in regional languages for disaster management to be test operated at two locations in Tamil Nadu i.e., Chennai and Nagapattinam coastal areas.

Agreement with TDB

TDB has provided assistance of Rs. 435.68 lakh by way of grant with total project cost of Rs. 518.68 lakh.

Salient Features of NDIS

NDIS is an effort to evolve a mechanism of sending warning signals for disaster management in regional languages employing 3 types of alert systems as a supplement to the existing methods of issuing warnings.

Following alert systems are being employed:

• Alert System using Location Based Language Message Service (LBLMS)
  
• Alert System using Dynamic Voice Translation System (DVTS)
  
• Alert System using Wireless Public Address System (WPAS)

The project was being implemented by M/s Geneva Software Technologies Limited (GSTL), Bangalore in close association and supervision / monitoring by India Meteorology Department (IMD), BSNL, Tamilnadu Telecom Circle (TTC), Chennai and Technology Development Board (TDB). The pilot project has national importance and societal relevance and hence has been partly financed by way of grant by TDB.

The main features of NDIS are:

i) Warning information messages generated by IMD in English language are sent to GSTL server at Bangalore on-line as authenticated text message in the template form.
ii) The message is converted into characters of 14 languages using GSTL software.
iii) The information is transmitted by using BSNL towers using VIVID technology as picture message by identifying cell phone numbers in the concerned threat area.
iv) All cell phones linked to the identified location based towers receives the message.
v) If the cell subscriber has opted for voice message, the transmission will be made through voice message also.

Place of implementation

The project was implemented at the following places:
a. Chennai City
b. Nagapattinam District in Tamil Nadu

Duration of the project

The duration of the project was six months.

Field Testing

The applications were test operated at Akkaraipettai, Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu in the presence of officials of BSNL, IMD and representatives of the company. TDB received a test report from Divisional Engineer (Maintenance) BSNL, Nagapattinam confirming successful field testing.

• The following application modes were tested:
  
  1. Text messages on Local Languages were received on selected mobile numbers.
     
  2. Voice Messages in regional languages were received on selected mobile numbers.
     
  3. Voice Messages in regional languages were successfully broadcasted over Public Address System.
     
• During the dummy testing the metrological information generated at IMD, DST was communicated to Geneva server in the form of discrete data within 2 seconds.
  
• The Server converted this data to a meaningful sentence. The message was processed within 10 seconds and streamed to BSNL Bulk Message Gateway.
  
• The Voice files were converted within 7 seconds and delivered to BSNL Voice Relay.
  
• The same Voice was streamed to Wireless Public Address Systems. Outbound call to WPAS, SIM showed that the quality of voice was good and audible.
  
• All the above steps clocked 33 seconds including delivery time.

Launching of NDIS

After successful dummy testing, NDIS was ready for deployment in the field. Further, it was felt that it is a project for mass benefit and the success of its application lies in the effective public-private partnership. Hence, it was launched on Feb. 13, 2006 by Hon'ble Union Minister for S & T & Ocean Development, Shri Kapil Sibal for securing public acceptance. The alerts were sent to the identified agencies at Nagapattinam cost and at Chennai including Hospitals, Fire brigades, Schools, Colleges, district machinery, BDO's, Surpunch etc. and 2 WPAS were also installed, one at Nagapattinam cost and other at Chennai. The receivers were informed that it was a test trial for NDIS.

The response of public address system was controlled through Close Circuit TV (CCTV) placed at Bangalore.

The alert message was generated at IMD, New Delhi / Chennai indicating:

• Alert type
  
• Likely affected area
  
• Origin of the disaster
  
• Date & time.
  

Flow Chart

The launching of the application followed this flow chart:

Futures Scope

The project has successfully been completed on 31st March, 2006. The technology is first of it kind in the World and has worked successfully for dissemination of warning massages in regional languages. NDIS has national importance and societal relevance therefore project was funded by way of grant and Board had a view that wider application of Technology in disseminating nation wide warning signals can be looked at by appropriate authority, keeping in view the lessons learnt upon the implementation of this pilot project. Company is exploring the application of this technology for wider societal benefits thorough NDMA/Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, New Delhi and other agencies. TDB is providing handholding to company by coordinating with the potential implementing agencies for full scale commercialization.

No. H 11017/URG/06-NA
MOST IMMEDIATE
RAJYA SABHA QUESTION
BY FAX/SPECIAL MESSENGER

INDIA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

Subject: Starred Question due for answer on 27.11.2006.

Reference: Fax dt 24-11-2006, from Department of Science & Technology.

Relevant inputs are enclosed for necessary action.

This has the approval of Director General of Meteorology.

(B. K. Bandyopadhyay)
Director (NHAC)
for Director General of Meteorology
Tel. (Office): 24611068

Dr. Shambhu Singh
Director,
Department of Science & Technology
New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-16
Fax No: 26864570

DGM UOI No. No. H 11017/URG/06-NA dated New Delhi, the 24th November, 2006

Copy to: Mrs. Ruchika C.Govil, Director (Parliament Section), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Room No. 129, Mahasagar Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodi Road New Delhi.
& Dr. Swati Basu, Scientist 'G', Coordinator, Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Inputs pertaining to IMD

1. At present, there is no Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) in Northeastern Region. Using DWR, severe weather systems like thunderstorms can be continuously monitored and warnings can be issued a few hours in advance (1-3 hours). As of now, warnings in respect of thunderstorms over northeast region are being issued using the inputs from Storm Detection Radars installed at Guwahati and Agartala along with satellite imageries, weather charts and Numerical Weather model products.
2. In the year 2005 there were 4 tropical cyclones of which 2 crossed the Indian coast. Details are given below:

In the year 2006 till date, there were 3 tropical cyclones out of which only 1 crossed the Indian coast. Details are given below:

S.No.	Cyclone	Landfall	Warnings/ bulletins
1.	Cyclone "OGNI" over Bay of Bengal October 29-30 A depression formed in the morning of 29th at about 50 km east of Nellore (Andhra Pradesh). It intensified into cyclonic storm by evening of 29th about 50 km east of Kavali (Andhra Pradesh).	The system crossed as deep depression the south Andhra Pradesh Coast between Bapatla and Ongole around noon of 30th October, 2006.	The 1st bulletin was issued on morning of 29th October based on 0830 hours IST observation, Subsequently warnings were continued till the weakening of the system at three hourly interval. Warnings were issued for Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts.