Question : SURVEY REGARDING TSUNAMI

(a) whether any survey has been conducted by the Ministry of Science and Technology for the safety of the people inhabiting coastal areas after the devastating Tsunami waves struck these areas;

(b) if so, the details of;

(c) the amount allocated to the Indian scientists for this survey;

(d) whether the scientists have taken assistance from the foreign scientists/specialists;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps proposed to be taken to check soil erosion in coastal areas due to Tsunami waves?

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) to (c): Yes, Sir. The Department of Science & Technology has constituted a team of scientific experts to study the submergence, tidal pattern and seismic pattern to help locate places for resettlement in Andaman & Nicobar region. The scientific team has collected data and information leading to help in deciding the safe areas of resettlement in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Committee has re-emphasized the need to keep habilitation upto 500 m to 1000 m away from the sea shore in the Andaman & Nicobar islands. An amount of approximately, Rs. 30.00 lakhs has been spent for carrying out the scientific survey in Andaman & Nicobar region

(d) Yes, Sir.

(e) They were only inducted for consultations & did not participate in the field surveys.

(f) The work related to planning, implementation and execution of schemes related to prevention of soil erosion are the responsibility of State Governments.