Addressing major issues of global warming, climatic change and glacier recession among others, the Union Minister for Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Harsh Vardhan emphasised on the importance of innovation and start-ups to further enhance the role of science in facilitating the desired welfare of the public.
Expressing concern at the disasters that have occurred in recent years in Uttarakhand and elsewhere, the Minister said that the Ministry is
equally concerned and also looking into how science and technology can be used effectively for mitigating loss of human lives and infrastructure in disaster scenarios. He said this while on a visit to the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) here on Wednesday.
Addressing members of the science fraternity, the minister said that science is not about getting research papers and studies published in journals but to actually help the public in overcoming problems and facilitating ease.
Opining that India has no dearth of scientists and technology, he exhorted the scientists and researchers to also carry forward the developmental vision for a better India as propounded by prime minister Narendra Modi.
Expressing concern at disasters taking place in Uttarakhand especially in recent years, Vardhan said that the ministry of science and technology is also concerned and delving into means for minimising the loss of life and property damage caused by disasters.
As part of the government’s effort towards early warning mechanism regarding disaster, seismic studies are being conducted at Koyna in Maharashtra and at Shillong in Meghalaya towards an early warning mechanism for earthquakes.
Remember the late pioneering geologist of India, Darashaw Nosherwan Wadia who is also referred to as father of Indian geology in recent decades, Vardhan extolled Wadia for working with complete honesty and dedication while also exhorting scientists to emulate him.
Earlier, the Minister visited the various laboratory and museums of the institute to explore their potential for the task of nation building. later at an interactive gathering in the institute’s auditorium Vardhan addressed the gathering of scientists, researchers and staff referring to various issues related to aspects like climate change, global warming, glacier recession, earthquake, natural hazards in the context of India and its mountain states including Uttarakhand.
After this interaction, the minister along with Department of Science and Technology, Prithviraj also had a special interactive session with senior scientists exchanging and sharing views in the conference room. The WIHG director Anil Kumar Gupta was also among those present on the occasion.