President Calls for Better Ocean Management Through Advance Technology

The President Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam has said that ocean is our national treasure and still an untapped resource which could be utilized for the welfare of mankind The President was speaking on the occasion of ‘Ocean Day’: Foundation Day of the Department of Ocean Development celebrated here yesterday. The President also unveiled two scientific equipments namely ‘Data Buoy’and ‘Acoustic Tide Gauge. Both the equipments have been indigenously developed by the Indian Scientists. The President said that the Exclusive Economic Zone could open the doors for further opportunities in this area.

Dr. Kalam praised the scientific innovations of the Indian Scientists. He emphasized on better ocean management through advance methods like Nanotechnology. Speaking on the drinking water problem, Dr. Kalam said that desalination of sea water is one of the most potential solution to ease the of the drinking water problem. Shri Kapil Sibal, the Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development said that the two new indigenously developed equipment prove that we have world class capabilities in ocean technology too. The Minister hoped that the Data Buoy and Acoustic Tide Gauge would provide useful data for further research work.

The President also gave away mementos to three former Secretaries of the Department, they are Dr. S.Z. Qasim, Dr.P.Rama Rao and Dr. A.E.Muthunayagam. The Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development felicitated a number of Scientists and other dignitaries who have contributed to the ocean sector.

Shri Harsh K.Gupta, Secretary, Ocean Development enumerated the major initiatives and achievements of Department. Referring to the India’s exclusive economic zone which is 2 million square Kms. he said that India is now among top ten countries in the field of Ocean Science and Technology. Dr.Madhavan Nayar, Chairman, ISRO and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion

Source: Ministry of Science & Technology
Date: March 28, 2005