(a) whether the Government has conducted a survey to actually establish the extent of submergence of Indira Point during the Tsunami-2004; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to reconstruct the Indira Point in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) The Department of Space (DOS) has carried out studies using satellite remote sensing data of 26th Dec, 2004 as well as aerial photography of 6th Jan, 2005 after the Tsunami. The study indicates that Campbell Bay was affected and Indira Point was submerged under water. Beach erosion and vegetation damage was seen along the coast. An area of around 150ha was affected /submerged.
Multi-hazard approach accounting for holistic vulnerability due to Earth Quake, Cyclone, Flood, Storm surge and Tsunami etc. is considered by the Government in developing the design criteria for reconstruction of houses, buildings and infrastructures in the Tsunami affected areas of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Projects for the re-construction of about 10,000 houses, roads, infrastructure, ports & jetties, communication etc. have been successfully implemented.