The Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrated the 10th anniversary and Foundation Day today. The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan released the Vision and Strategy Document for next 15 years (up to 2030) at the Foundation Day function at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, today. The Minister lauded the excellent achievements of the Ministry and the Scientists for their remarkable work which impacts the lives of the common man in many ways. The Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S.Chowdary in his address on the occasion highlighted the achievements of the Ministry and congratulated the Scientists for the outstanding work.The Foundation Day lecture was given by Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences was established in the year 2006 by bringing agencies of meteorology, ocean development and operational seismology activities under one umbrella. The sole purpose of the endeavour was to address holistically various aspects relating to earth system processes for improving forecast of the weather, climate and various natural hazards. The Ministry inter alia is responsible for development of technology towards the exploration and exploitation of marine resources in a sustainable way for the socio-economic benefits of the society. The mission of the Ministry is to provide services for weather, natural hazards, climate, ocean and coastal state, seismology, and exploring marine living and non-living resources and the Polar Regions.
Over the past few years, the quality of weather, climate, ocean and seismological services have improved due to systematic efforts in augmenting atmospheric, coastal and ocean observations and survey, geophysical observations, polar research, developing adequate modelling strategy, conducting cutting edge research and investing in human resources development. There is a considerable scope for further accelerating these initiatives to enable the country to become a world leader in providing high quality services, and contribute to economic and societal benefits. The National Awards for Excellent Scientific Work and Certificate of Merit to Distinguished Scientists, Young Scientists and School Children were also presented on this occasion.