Ensure efficacy of forecast tech: Alphonse Kannanthanam

Kochi: Citing the controversy erupted over the warning of cyclone Ockhi, Union Minister of State for Tourism Alphonse Kannanthanam has called for ensuring the efficacy of the existing technologies used for forecasting such disasters. While speaking at the second international symposium of the Societal Applications in Fisheries and Aquaculture using Remote Sensing Imagery (SAFARI) organised by Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here on Tuesday he said that retrospection is required to understand what has actually happened with the cyclone warning. 

"There is no point in engaging blame game between the Centre and the state. The scientists and the authorities concerned must seriously look into these things. The need of the hour is to develop adequate technologies to mitigate such disasters," he said.

"The communication system has to be improved. Scientists working in the area should ensure the efficacy of the existing technologies, reliability of the data and models to predict such disasters. Satellite and remote sensing data could be used to improve the system", he added.

The minister opined that scientists should focus on community-oriented research works. "The scientists should ensure that all their research efforts are benefitting the common people so that the latter could protect themselves from such disasters and improve their living standards. The studies in the area of fisheries and marine sector should help upgrade the socio-economic status of the fisherfolks", the minister added.

During the session, Mr. Kannanthanam interacted with the delegates attending the SAFARI symposium in which discussions were held on areas such as aquatic environment and ecology, harvest fisheries, fisheries management, communication technologies in disaster management and aquaculture.