Jamsetji Tata Centre to develop warning systems
Business Standard — May 8, 2006

The Jamsetji Tata Centre for Disaster Management (JTCDM) will help to develop advance-warning systems to deal with natural disasters, said Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata.

"The purpose of setting up the centre is manifold. The centre will work in areas to help develop advance-warning systems in dealing with natural disasters appropriately and institutionalise a process to capture the learning of the past experiences," said Tata in a release.

Established as part of ongoing restructuring and development programme of Tata Institute of Social Sciences, JTCDM is being set up with an initial investment of Rs 11 crore, and is expected to be commissioned in the next few months.

"The world has witnessed a rising incidence of natural and man-made disasters. India too, has seen some extremely shocking events like the tsunami and the earthquake in Kashmir. It really pains to see such great loss of life and property due to natural calamities," said Tata.

The centre will endeavour to work with the administration to help society cope with the aftermath of such natural and man-made disasters, he said.

Towards this end, the Tatas are happy to collaborate and work with government agencies and other civic bodies for effective disaster intervention, he added.

The centre would have a panel of experts from the social and technical sectors to provide inputs and facilitate interventions. The JTCDM will also work closely with institutions and groups located in various parts of the country.