(a) whether the Government are satisfied with the available resources for Ocean
Development keeping in view the utility of ocean development;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) whether the need for Ocean Development is given top priority by the
Government;
(d) if not, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether the work of Ocean Development is likely to be affected by the rising sea
level; and
(f) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI)
(a) and (b): Within the overall availability of resources for the Ninth Five Year Plan of
the Government of India, the outlay of Rs. 5l0 crore allocated under the Ninth Five Year
Plan for the Department of Ocean Development is satisfactory.
(c): Yes, Sir.
(d): Does not arise.
(e) and (f): The rise in sea level as an outcome of global climatic change is being
monitored by the Department of Ocean Development by a network of tide gauges. In
view of the uncertainty associated with sea level rise predictions, most of the work
undertaken at present is mainly of research nature.