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

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 304
TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.03.2005

CONFERENCE ON TSUNAMI

304. DR. RAJESH MISHRA:

SHRI KINJARAPU YERRANNAIDU:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that a Conference of scientists and experts mostly from Tsunami hit countries is likely to be organized by the Department of Survey of India with the help of Central Government to concentrate on the disaster management and bring out valuable solution to face Tsunami like disasters; and

(b) 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): Yes, Sir. The Department of Science & Technology (DST) in association with the Department of Ocean Development (DOD), Department of Space (DOS) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) had organized a Brain storming session during January 21-22, 2005 at Delhi to discuss the various issues related to Tsunami. More than 200 scientists from different relevant institutions including, a few experts from UNESCO, Canada, USA, Japan and Germany had also attended the session. Suggestions from countries with experience of such disasters were very well received. Based on the discussions a proposal has been formulated which includes strengthening of seismological network, deployment of Ocean based sensors, data buoys, tide gauges, communication links, R&D and public awareness.