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) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Department of Science & Technology (DST) in association with the Department of Ocean Development (DOD), Department of Space (DOS) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) had organized a Brain storming session during January 21-22, 2005 at Delhi to discuss the various issues related to Tsunami. More than 200 scientists from different relevant institutions including, a few experts from UNESCO, Canada, USA, Japan and Germany had also attended the session. Suggestions from countries with experience of such disasters were very well received. Based on the discussions a proposal has been formulated which includes strengthening of seismological network, deployment of Ocean based sensors, data buoys, tide gauges, communication links, R&D and public awareness.