Question : LOSSES DUE TO NATURAL CALAMITIES



(a) the details of losses in shipping sector due to cyclones and other natural calamities during the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether there is a decrease in such losses after the constitution of National Disaster Management Authority;

(c) if so, the details of extent of decrease in losses thereof;

(d) whether the National Disaster Management Authority has sufficient arrangements to give prior intimation of disasters to shipping sector;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor and the reaction of the Government thereto?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)

(a): A Statement indicating the details of losses in shipping sector due to cyclones and other natural calamities during the last three years and the current year is at Annexure.

(b) to (f): National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as per the provisions of the National Disaster management Act has only coordinating role to play in shipping sector during the disasters or catastrophic situations. The response to ship related casualty is dealt with as per the contingency plans available on board ships. The Directorate General of Shipping has been designated as Maritime Assistance Service (MAS) by the Ministry of Shipping, to render assistance to the ships. The Indian Coast Guard has been designed as the nodal agency for carrying out Search & Rescue operations. The Indian Coast Guard is also the Designated Authority for implementing the National Oil Spill Disaster & Contingency Plan.