GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 260
TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.03.2005

PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM AT COASTAL VILLAGES

260. SHRIMATI C.S. SUJATHA:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that the Public Address System established by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation at coastal villages of Pondicherry saved thousands of human lives from the Tsunami waves;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is considering similar information centres in the coastal belts and also in the natural calamity prone areas in the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT

(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) & (b) : The Government is not aware that the public address system established by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) at coastal villages of Pondicherry saved thousands of human lives from the Tsunami waves. However, as per the information received from MSSRF, the foundation has set up Rural Knowledge Centres (RKCs) in 12 villages in Pondicherry. These RKCs are connected through a hybrid wired and wireless network and provide information on agriculture, health, weather, employment, education, government entitlements and micro enterprises training etc. 4 out of the 12 RKCs are in coastal villages, where most of the families are involved in fishing. The MSSRF broadcasts information through a public address system for the benefit of fishermen. The public address system is also used for announcing various government schemes related to fishermen on a regular basis. The network played an important role immediately following the first Tsunami attack and in post Tsunami relief.

(c) & (d): A Disaster Warning System is already in place for cyclones in the coastal districts. It is proposed to integrate the Tsunami warnings also in this system.