CM calls upon ocean scientists to find solution for tsunami

Panaji, May 25 (UNI) Goa Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane today urged the ocean scientists to derive a solution to mitigate natural calamities like tsunami and earthquakes.

Inaugurating the two-day seminar on 'Antarctic Science: Indian Contributions in Global Perspectives' under the aegis of the premier National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), Mr Rane asked the scientists to study the icy continent's ''geopolitical and geo-economic significance'' to benefit society.

With India now in a commanding position in Antarctica and ocean studies, the scientists should try to develop mechanisms in climatic studies, which are useful to save the humanity, he said.

The Chief Minister further said he was proud of having flagged-off the first Indian Antarctic expedition 1981, when he was Chief Minister.

On the occasion, senior space scientist Dr U Rao, who pioneered the Indian Space Research Programme, said the country's space projects should now be combined with study of the atmospheric sciences, now that the Centre is likely to constitute an Earth Commission.

He also asked the scientists to study the ice core of the Antarctica and the cosmic rays, to come up with new models to predict climate in the future.

Oceans would provide future food resources to the world, if properly and sustainably exploited in terms of gas hydrates for energy and marine life, besides developing new drugs, he added.

Later, Mr Rane inaugurated an exhibition giving details of research in Antarctica and released the geological map of Orwin mountains and geomorphological map of Schirmacher region in Antarctica, in presence of NCAOR Director Dr Rasik Ravindra.

Polar scientists from different institutions presented papers on various aspects of polar sciences during the technical sessions. They include studies on geological, environmental, tectonic, glaciological, sciesmic, meteorological and biological parametres of the continent.

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