Date:30/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/12/30/stories/2004123002001700.htm

Back Kalam plea to develop tsunami warning system

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , Dec. 29

THE President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has asked the academic and scientific community to evolve an integrated technological solution that could alert on tsunamis.

Addressing the ninth convocation of the University of Hyderabad through videoconference from Delhi, he cited the example of Pacific nations that had built up a tsunami warning system for 27 countries in that region.

Once the earthquake hit the sea floor, it would take three hours to build dynamic waves of large heights. "This means that technologically there is a solution," he said.

Referring to last week's devastation that left thousands killed along the east coast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he pointed out that Indian sea shores too should need a tsunami warning system.

Asking the students and universities to focus on the employability factor, the President said bio-fuel development offered a huge opportunity.

"Bio-fuel plants grown in 11 million hectares of land can yield an estimated revenue of Rs 20,000 crore a year and create 1.2 crore jobs in both plantation and manufacturing plants," he observed.

Stating that bio-fuel could help reduce foreign exchange outflows, he asked the industry to prepare a detailed project report on how to develop bio-fuels.

There are 63 million hectares of wasteland, meaning a huge scope for bio-fuel production.

Besides, jatropha plantation provided good atmosphere for honey production.

Dr Kalam suggested a three-pronged approach for employment generation through entrepreneurship.

Equipping the students right from college-level with entrepreneurial skills, providing entrepreneurs with venture capital at village-level and enhancing purchasing power of the people formed the core of the strategy.