India Emerges as a World Leader in Disaster Warning Systems: Jitendra Singh

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India Emerges as a World Leader in Disaster Warning Systems: Jitendra Singh

New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) India has established itself as a global leader in disaster warning, offering assistance to various nations around the globe, stated Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday.

While marking the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami at INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services), he remarked, “India’s rise as a global leader in delivering top-notch disaster warning systems highlights the crucial role of scientific progress in promoting safety and sustainability.”

The Minister reminisced that INCOIS was established in response to the devastating Tsunami of 2004, which resulted in the loss of over 230,000 lives globally, including 10,749 in India.

He pointed out that since 2014, INCOIS has made significant advancements, earning recognition as the world's most advanced institute of its kind.

India’s Tsunami Early Warning System, which has received international praise, was highlighted as a fundamental component of the nation’s disaster readiness.

He mentioned that INCOIS has actively contributed to the Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme, which aims to ensure that all communities around the world are prepared for tsunamis by 2030.

Singh stated that these efforts can enhance global collaborations and “create resilient coastal communities globally.”

Additionally, to strengthen community resilience in at-risk areas, partnerships are being formed with UNESCO and the Tsunami Ready Initiative, as informed by the Minister.

Beyond tsunamis, the Minister emphasized the importance of integrating alerts for storm surges and high waves into a comprehensive multi-hazard early warning system.

“This proactive strategy will guarantee that we continue to protect lives and livelihoods from a wide range of potential disasters,” he remarked.

Singh also highlighted the increasing importance of ocean exploration in India’s mission to become a Viksit Bharat.

With a coastline stretching 7,500 kilometers and rich marine resources, he advocated for their sustainable exploration and preservation.

“Our deep-sea mission and initiatives like BioE3 [Biotechnology for Environment, Employment, and Economy] are fostering an ecosystem that will not only boost biodiversity but also aid in national prosperity,” the Minister stated.

“We aim to deploy an Indian in the deep sea and another in space, potentially by 2026, marking a historic achievement,” he added.