Ministry of earth science to deal with natural disasters

The destruction in the 2004 tsunami has prompted the government to begin the process of setting up a ministry of earth sciences. The ministry will help in developing an early warning system for natural disasters among other things.

The proposed ministry is likely to be carved out of the science and technology ministry by hiving off work related to ocean development and merging it with research institutions under the ministry, like the Indian meteorological department.

"The committee of secretaries has cleared the proposal," an official told Business Standard.

An earth commission, to be headed by the secretary of the proposed ministry, will also be set up. The commission will be on the lines of the atomic energy commission and will have 12 central secretaries and four eminent scientists as members.

"Expenditure secretary, Planning Commission, member secretary and the home secretary will be part of the commission," the official added.

The department of ocean development was set up in 1981 and notified as ministry of ocean development and science and technology in February 2006. The Met department is the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and seismology.

"In the backdrop of global competitiveness and global requirement, the ministry will be India's voice at international fora. This step is aimed at bringing different institutions under a single umbrella," the official said.