STATE TIMES NEWS
HYDERABAD: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Thursday addressed the Hyderabad Conclave commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
He lauded India’s remarkable progress in disaster warning systems, highlighting the nation’s emergence as a global leader in this field.
Dr. Singh noted that the tragic 2004 tsunami, which claimed over 230,000 lives worldwide, including 10,749 in India, spurred significant advancements in India’s disaster preparedness and ocean research capabilities.
The Minister emphasized that INCOIS, established after the 2004 disaster, has evolved into one of the world’s most advanced institutions for ocean research and disaster warning, thanks to continuous support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014.
Dr. Singh credited PM Modi’s vision, including the ‘Deep Sea Mission’ announced on Independence Day, for providing the impetus to India’s oceanic and disaster resilience initiatives.
India’s Tsunami Early Warning System, now internationally acclaimed, was highlighted as a key pillar of the nation’s disaster preparedness. The Minister also pointed out India’s ongoing collaboration with UNESCO and the Tsunami Ready Initiative, which strengthens community resilience in vulnerable regions.
Dr. Singh referenced the recognition of 24 Indian communities under this initiative as evidence of India’s commitment to building community-centric disaster resilience.
Further, Dr. Singh underscored the strategic importance of India’s oceanic exploration in its journey toward becoming “Viksit Bharat.” With a 7,500-kilometer coastline and rich marine resources, he stressed the need for sustainable exploration and conservation.
He pointed to projects like the Deep Sea Mission and BioE3 (Biotechnology for Environment, Employment, and Economy) as integral to enhancing biodiversity and contributing to national prosperity.
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh expressed optimism about India’s future achievements in space and marine missions, including plans to deploy an Indian in the deep sea and space by 2026. He also stressed the importance of integrating tsunami warnings with other ocean-related hazards like storm surges and high waves into a comprehensive multi-hazard early warning system.
Concluding his address, Dr. Singh reaffirmed the crucial role of INCOIS in India’s Vision 2047, emphasizing its contribution to disaster readiness, sustainable development, and the creation of a self-reliant, resilient India.
The event, attended by Dr. M. Ravi Chandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, and eminent scientists and policymakers, served as a platform to celebrate two decades of achievements while charting a path forward for holistic and sustainable development.
