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NT Bureau
Chennai, Dec 27:

        'The severe loss of life and livelihood as well as property caused by the tsunami two years ago has taught us a lesson that short-term commercial interests should not be allowed to undermine the ecological security of our coastal areas,' said M S Swaminathan, chairman, National Commission on Farmers.

        Speaking at a media workshop on 'Science and tsunami: Two years later,' Swaminathan said property loss in developed countries was greater than lives during natural calamities but in case of developing nations it is just the opposite.

        So, he said, instead of relying mostly on external relief, the resilience of the vulnerable communities to future natural disasters should be enhanced. He added that multipurpose cyclone, tsunami shelters should be constructed on the lines of those constructed in Gayaspur, Orissa.

        Calling for creation of multiple livelihood options and agronomic rehabilitation of farmers, he said there should be healthy sharing of knowledge with the neighbouring countries which face the same calamity.

        The workshop organised by The Hindu Media Resource Centre of M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) highlighted the post- tsunami relief operations done by providing help in the form of rehabilitating the agricultural lands inundated by sea water; by construction of bioshields and sand dunes for protection; by providing GPS (Global Positioning System) tools and solar lights to fishermen for fishing in a safe and scientific way; by building village knowledge centres, early warning systems and various other measures implemented for safety and rehabilitation of the victims.

        Vishva Mohan, joint secretary, project director (Agriculture), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Sudha Nair, programme director, JRD Echo technology Centre, MSSRF, and various other dignitaries attended the workshop.