Kapil Sibal announces measures for development of Nagaland through Science and Technology

Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Kapil Sibal, today announced a series of measures in science and technology for the development of Nagaland. Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre at Dimapur, he said that the North East may be physically far off from New Delhi but is in the hearts of the people across the country.

In his welcome address, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio said that the Ministry of Science and Technology can take the lead in giving shape and direction to Look East Policy of the Government. He said the Centre will add to the growth and development of not only the State but also the entire country. The laying of foundation stone of the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre was the dream and vision of the people of Nagaland, he added.

Following are some of the measures Shri Kapil Sibal announced to bring about development in Nagaland through science and technology.

Establishment of 50 micro/ mini-hydel (< 100 Kw) projects in (25 each in 2007 and in 2008) for remote villages in Nagaland, based on indigenously developed technologies (IISc Bangalore). One such project of capacity 2 x 50 kW is in advanced stage (likely to be completed by December 2006) of completion at Thuvopisu village in Phek district of Nagaland.

IMD will establish Doppler radar in Dimapur within 2006-07 DES/ IMD will establish 8 Automatic Weather Stations in Nagaland by December 2006.

Extension of the neighbourhood mapping programme to Nagaland. 30 schools will be taken up at one time in Nagaland, in Phase I, covering 5,000 students. Over a period of 15 months, 150 schools will be covered, and 25,000 students.

Provision of one mobile diagnostic facility in Nagaland, on the DST/ TIFAC model implemented in Uttaranchal.

Induction of 150 nano-membrane filters for rural areas to provide clean drinking water in Nagaland.

To strenghthen science education, DST will take up a programme for upgradation of science laboratories in 4 selected colleges, and re-training of science teachers.

Gasification of bamboo for electricity DST/ NMBA is prepared to support, for off-grid and remote villages, a programme of induction of six bamboo gasifiers in 2007 (in the 25 Kwe – 75 Kwe range), to provide electricity to villages, or to institutions (residential schools, health sub-centres, small enterprises). Government of Nagaland/ NBDA to identify eight-ten such locations within December 2006, based on availability of bamboo, end-use, management capabilities and willingness (and ability) of counterpart institution/ community to operate and distribute electricity on commercial lines.

Shri Kapil Sibal is on a three day visit to Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : October 13, 2006