Annual Report 2003 - 2004

Societal Program

Science & Technology Application for Rural Development & Upliftment of Weaker Sections

Core Grant to Science based Voluntary Groups

Core grant was extended to 21 science based voluntary groups working at the grassroot level to provide an opportunity to committed scientists & engineers to take-up the challenge of pursuing research and development in areas of need-based technology generation and transfer for sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. It has also helped in thematic networking and coordination amongst various science and technology based field groups and S&T institutions. These core teams are working in different geographical locations with people centred approach at the grass-root level developing cost effective technological solutions for location specific problems in the area of micro watershed management, sustainable agriculture and agro-processing, rural housing, health and sanitation, information technology, renewable energy and micro-enterprise development in rural areas.

A core group, Appropriate Rural Technology Institute (ARTI) based in Pune has developed a new, compact biogas technology, using waste starchy and sugary material as feedstock. The gas obtained by this fermenter contains >95% methane.

To reduce the drudgery of masons and to improve the quality of work and income, efforts are being made by Mitraniketan, Trivandrum to develop a viable wall & floorplastering machine. The machine consists of a motor, a rotating disc and a gearbox. This group is also working on developing and standardizing a viable vermi-filter for treating wastewater.

Another group Integrated Rural Development of Weaker Sections in India (WIDA), Koraput is working on developing agro-forestry model as an alternative to shifting cultivation through soil and water conservation measures and appropriate biomass cover to help the tribal people in and around tribal villages located in Koraput.

Likewise, Tamulpur Anchalik Gramdan Sangh (TAGS), Kumarikata, Nalbari, Assam is working on empowering local people on scientific production of bio-pesticides prepared from local herbs; muga silk culture and reeling technology; cane & bamboo production and utilization to make value added products with linkages and networking from smaller NGOs and S&T institutions. To popularize and develop proven technological innovations of farmers, another core group Peermade Development Society (PDS), Iduki, Kerala has been able to demonstrate the applicability and use of low-cost cardamom drier and hand pump amongst the other farmers thus giving proper recognition to the local innovations made by farmers in identified technological gap areas.

Individual Projects

A large number of inter-disciplinary projects of multi-sectoral nature have been supported. During the year, need-based individual projects having innovative S&T interventions were taken-up in the areas of farm & non-farm sector, horticulture and processing techniques, inland aquaculture, modern nursery techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, solar/biomass based energy devices/systems, micro watershed management, low-cost construction technology, rural engineering, health and sanitation, etc.

In an innovative project, a sustainable technology package related to pearl culture for income and employment generation has been standardized and demonstrated for field level application in Chandarpur, Maharashtra and in and around villages located near Allahabad, U.P.) with forward and backward linkages in technology appropriation and transfer, demonstration and training and marketing. In similar networking approach, efforts are being made by a voluntary organization, Himalayan Research Group (HRG) to introduce high value crops like aromatic plants like rose, geranium, lavender for essential oils in Mandi area of Himachal Pradesh to provide better returns to the farmers having fragmented land holdings (Figure 5.3).The cultivation of these crops will result in setting-up of small-scale industrial units for processing these aromatic plants in rural hilly areas leading to employment generation at the source itself.

(a) Preparation of bed for rooting of cuttings (b) Planted cutting of Rose (c) Cutting of Geranium

Coordinated Programmes

Coordinated programmes were generated based on successful development of technology packages and implementation of pilot scale projects. These programmes were conceived with an idea to test the viability of these pilot scale technology models in different geoclimatic regions of the country and at the same time creating larger impact in the countryside. A lot of system and social engineering was involved for standardizing related technology packages before they are ready for large-scale replication by other agencies. Coordinated programmes on fish and fisheries in 9 locations in Uttaranchal and aquaculture-cum-horticulture programmes at 11 locations in 24 Paraganas (W.B.) were implemented through a network of small voluntary organizations with technical back-up support from S&T institutions and core supported groups.

Other ongoing major programmes/projects

• Setting-up of 5 Rural Technology Parks (RTPs) in North Eastern region for technology back-up/support system in both farm and non-farm sector.
• Supported need based projects for hilly regions under Technology Intervention Programme for Mountain Regions (TIME) including North East.
• For S&T based holistic development of 50 backward villages initiated on the eve of 50th year of India’s independence, 30 projects have been supported so far focussing on sustainable development and utilization of natural and community resources and microenterprise development in the villages.
• Based on concept of Rural Technology Parks (RTP), UNDP supported programme has been implemented to establish two technology development centres at Bhopal and Ranchi and twenty Technology Resource Centres.

New Projects

Some of the new projects supported were as under:

• Establishment of multi food processing unit at Sarangpur (Rajgarh, M.P.);
• Biodiversity assessment in the selected medicinal plants conservation areas of Maharashtra;
• Pilot project for development and transfer of technology of Integrated Fish Farming at Lupin’s Technology Park Maigujar for Semi-Arid and Wet Regions of Bharatpur District of Rajasthan;
• Empowering community through technology intervention & extension for value addition in local horticulture produce;
• Establishment of Rural Technology Park in Meghalaya;
• Watershed management in the Pali Gram Sabha of Chamba Block (Tehri Garhwal), Uttaranchal;
  
• Dissemination of appropriate techniques for improvement of cattle breed and their health care in tribal village of Yeotmal District;
  
• Upgradation/ improvement in efficiency of handloom weavers for income generation through S&T intervention;
  
• Holistic development of Senpur Gram Panchayat through science and technology;
• Integrated village development project in Shalla village block, Chachyot, District Mandi H.P.;
  
• To design a suitable briquettor machine to manufacture the coir pith fuel cakes (pellets) as an alternate and demonstrating the effects to Munchirai area people; and
• Modernization of agriculture through science and technology for small & marginal farmers in rural and urban villages of Berhampur, Ganjam.

Scheme for Committed Young Professionals

Action research projects are granted to young scientists (upper age limit of 35 years, 40 years for women) with the objective of (a) attempting a field implementation of an idea or (b) developing new techniques for solving problems, which do not have clear solutions at present.

'Young scientists' are encouraged to pursue innovative research ideas, which have direct bearing on social problems in selected voluntary organizations, academic institutions or research laboratories.

During the year under reference, ten projects were sanctioned under this scheme. Tribal Sub Plan

The scheme aims at the socio-economic upliftment of tribals through inputs of technology. The focus is on creating sustainable livelihood base through use of locally available resources and materials by introduction of technology in traditional skills as well as introduction of new vocations. S&T based location specific need based projects were supported in technology areas such as cost effective design & development of an integrated mechanized system for processing of stick lac to seed lac for use by the rural tribals in Jharkhand, improved Ram Pump technology for sustainable livelihood to tribal population in Tamilnadu, environmentally friendly hand-crafted paper products for tribal communities, integrated aquaculture for fishermen families of tribal communities, integrated health & nutrition promotion for the tribals of Kolli hills.

Ongoing projects

A project on Establishment of training-cum-production Centre of eco-friendly aromatic plants cultivation and utilization for tribal farmers is being implemented in Betul District of Madhya Pradesh for giving training to tribal farmers on aromatic and medicinal plants in nursery preparation, cultivation, also introduction of improved technology for processing of essential oils by technology upgradation in traditional distillation systems.

In a project being implemented at Gadchiroli, 150 tribal women from 21 villages spreading over 3 blocks namely, Korchi, Dharona and Kurkheda were trained in scientific collection, nursery development, preservation and storage of medicinal herbs and market links for them. A project on sustainable technologies for forest conservation was implemented in tribal areas of East Godavari district to undertake research, development and adaptation of relevant technologies to improve the economic condition of scheduled tribals without affecting the existing environment and promoting regeneration of forests.

Special Component Plan

Poor sections of scheduled caste communities can benefit through research, development and adaptation of technology, which improves their quality of life in rural/urban areas.

Scientists and technologists apply their expertise to the needs of landless farmers and artisans engaged in traditional occupations. Action research projects were supported in priority areas such as improving skills and efficiency of traditional occupations, development of functional capability, waste management, sanitation and rehabilitation of scavengers, animal husbandry particularly relating to smaller animals, etc. Many new projects were sanctioned apart from 30 on-going projects under the scheme.

In a project entitled, “Introduction and demonstration of S&T based intervention for improved agricultural practices & rain water conservation by small farmers belonging to SCs in drought affected area of Rajasthan”, innovative techniques were applied to prevent soil erosion, conserve rainwater and popularize different cropping patterns, agro forestry, low cost nursery and mixed farming. More than 25 families in 5 villages were trained and they have adopted improved agricultural practices. The project is being implemented in Phagi block of Jaipur District.

An innovative project on scientific utilization of SARKANDA (a lengthy weed) sticks for production of value-added crafted products was undertaken. The products are decorative and utility items such as flower pots, pen stands, file trays, baskets, lamp shades, etc. The project is being implemented in 6 villages of Ramgarh block of Jaipur District. It has empowered the artisans by way of generating income.

Municipal solid waste is being converted into value added low –cost clean energy products such as gas and energy cakes. The major innovation has come in the form of segregation of waste, its conversion to char cakes and gas. The project has been implemented at the outskirts of Yamunanagar in SC (Balmikis) areas where they were otherwise engaged in scavenging.

S&T Entrepreneurship Development

National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), established in 1982 is an institutional mechanism to help promote knowledge driven and technology intensive enterprises. During the year 2003-2004, the NSTEDB continued to pursue and strengthen its activities/programmes, taken-up earlier, in addition to conceptualizing and initiating a few new projects.

Entrepreneurship Awareness and Training

Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps (EAC) are organised by science and engineering colleges to create awareness amongst the students of the college towards entrepreneurship. It also provides an opportunity to the students to interact with various experts in industry and banking. 300 EACs were organized thereby exposing about 15000 students to the concept of entrepreneurship as an alternative vocation.

The board sponsored 40 Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) of six weeks duration. The participants were selected and trained in entrepreneurship and management of small enterprises. During the training programme, they were also helped in preparing a bankable project report.

Forty Technologies based EDPs were also organized with the focus on specific products/technologies/processes developed by research and development laboratories having commercial viability. Entrepreneurs selected for a TEDP, got both the practical as well as theoretical inputs.

Faculty Development Programme (FDP)

The absence of competent trainers is felt as a major bottleneck in the development of entrepreneurs. To train and develop professionals in entrepreneurship development, who can further guide and motivate young persons to take up entrepreneurship as their career, Faculty Development Programmes were designed. This programme provides necessary knowledge, skill, and aptitude to the trainers for implementing entrepreneurship related programmes and activities. Forty FDPs were sponsored and about 800 trainers are expected to be trained during the year.

Skill Development Training through Science and Technology (STST)

Skill Development Training through S&T (STST) is implemented by the Board through a network of agencies comprising of educational or research institutions, professional bodies. Approximately 5000 youth were trained through this programme.

A UNDP/Government of India project titled “Vocational Training for Employment Generation (VoTEG)” was completed during the current year. The major outcome of the project was the development of competence based course curricula, detailed instruction manuals for 12 different courses besides creation of training facilities/equipment. Broad skill areas covered under the project were Modern Appliances Maintenance; Computer Hardware & Office Equipment Maintenance; Multiskilling for rural and semi-urban areas; and Agricultural Biotechnology/ Horticultural Biotechnology. The curricula and course material developed was tried and tested by imparting skill training to 800 beneficiaries. Approximately 200 trainers from various organizations engaged in skill training from all over the country were also exposed to the methodology developed under the project for further replication. A national workshop was organized to disseminate the knowledge and experience acquired in the process of implementation of the VoTEG project. Delegates from more than 100 organisations participated in the workshop.

Micro-enterprise Creation

Support was provided to 29 Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development (STED) Projects spread all over the country. Nine new projects were established, one each at Betul (MP), Kannur (Kerala), Kheda (Gujarat), Mandi (HP), Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan), Silliguri (West Bengal), South Sikkim, Durg (Chattishgarh), Sikar (Rajasthan). Advisory Committee meetings were organized to review and monitor the existing programmes. Training workshop for STED Project Directors was organized for upgrading the skills of the Project Directors.

Science & Technology Entrepreneurs Park (STEP)

The Department has so far catalysed 15 STEPs in different parts of the country which have promoted more than 800 units generating annual turnover of around Rs. 125 crores and employment for over 15,000 persons. More than 100 new products and technologies have been developed by the STEPs / STEP promoted entrepreneurs. In addition, over 8000 persons have been trained through various skill development programmes conducted by STEPs. Some of the other significant developments which took place during the year are as follows:-

• The STEP at Basaveshwar Engineering College (BEC), Bagalkot, Karnataka made good progress in the thrust areas of food processing and textiles. It has set up demonstration and pilot plant facilities for the benefit of the entrepreneurs. It also undertook several activities to promote entrepreneurship in above areas.
• Under the programme of entrepreneurship promotion in emerging high-tech areas through existing successful STEPs, following new initiatives have been launched:
• Design and innovation facilities at TREC-STEP, Trichy, were approved at a total cost of Rs. 98.00 lakhs. The facility would cater to industrial environment and potential in the Design Innovation, Digitalization and IT enabled services in engineering areas. Existing industries as well as new entrepreneurs venturing into new product development shall be benefited by the new facility for upscaling their performance in high-tech areas.
• Design & Development Centre in Embedded System and Software was approved at SJCE-STEP Mysore on a total cost of Rs. 91.00 lakhs. The proposed facility would train the students at B. Tech. and M. Tech. level apart from supporting new entrepreneurs in setting-up micro electronics industries. The project has an active industrial and technical collaboration from M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

Technology Business Incubator (TBI)

In the knowledge economy, mechanisms such as Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) have assumed greater significance and relevance as they nurture and support knowledge driven start-ups into successful enterprises, in addition to catering to the technological needs of the SME sector of the industry. The scheme on TBIs initiated by the Department in the year 2000-2001 is being given major thrust in the Tenth Five Year Plan.

During the year 2003-2004, TBIs at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad; Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai; Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani; and Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur were approved.

A Workshop on Business Incubation for the Asia Pacific Region was organized in association with the Infodev programme of the World Bank during 8-10 October, 2003 at Bangalore. It was attended by around 70 participants including 23 participants from DST supported STEPs and TBIs and 25 participants from China, Iran, USA, Turkey, Mongolia, Africa, Brazil, etc.

Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC)

EDCs have been promoted by NSTEDB in educational institutions to create entrepreneurial culture in the Parent Institution and other institutions in the region and to act as an institutional mechanism for providing information and assistance to budding S&T entrepreneurs.

New EDCs at Dehradun Institute of Technology, Dehradun; Krishna Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ghaziabad; St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata; Arulmigu Kalasalingam College of Engineering, Krishnankoil; and Crescent Engineering College, Chennai were supported this year.

Technology Innovation Management Entrepreneurship and Information Service (TIME IS)

The website www.techno-preneur.net, was maintained during the year with regular data updation and site enrichment through infusion of information on technologies from various sources. As a part of site enrichment on-line chat and consultancy services were set-up to enable the site users to get their queries satisfied.

Science Tech Entrepreneur

The popular monthly magazine “Science Tech Entrepreneur” was regularly published. Each issue of this priced magazine now contains regular columns on Technology Events, Trade Fairs, Trade Enquiries and features on Technology, Management, and Business Opportunities besides focusing on at least one segment of industry. The print order of this bilingual publication is around 5000 copies. Science Communication and Popularisation

Public communication of science and technology in India is fast gathering momentum and is an area, which has been identified for thrust in the Science & Technology Policy 2003. The Rashtriya Vigyan Evam Prodyogiki Sanchar Parishad (National Council for Science & Technology Communication) has been playing a pivotal and catalytic role in devising and developing ways and means for taking science to the people through development, adaptation, promotion and use of different communication methodologies to achieve better public understanding of science and stimulating scientific temper. Well orchestrated initiatives have been undertaken and significant progress has been accomplished.

Highlights

Year of Scientific Awareness (YSA: 2004)

Consequent upon an announcement for celebrating Year of Scientific Awareness, it has been decided to designate the year 2004 as the Year of Scientific Awareness and to make efforts to spread scientific awareness and scientific thinking all around in the country. The primary objective is to empower people for informed decision making on issues of science and technology. Vigyan Jathas covering different geo-climatic regions, viz., coastal, Himalayan, desert and central regions are being planned. The focus is primarily on issues related to health and nutrition, water and sanitation, environment and biodiversity, disaster preparedness/ management and use of information technology for decision making. In addition, year long campaigns comprising exhibitions, lecture demonstrations, public debates, competitions for children and other science communication activities, covering all districts in the country are being planned involving State S & T Councils and networks of field level NGOs.

A national workshop of Science Communication Laureates was organized on the occasion of National Science Day in February 2003 to discuss new ideas for making this programme more fruitful. A National Consultation Meet to chalk out plans and strategies was held during May 28-30, 2003 at CMS Degree College, Lucknow. Over 155 representatives from State S & T Councils/Departments, science based voluntary organizations and networks of organizations involved in science communication participated. It was decided that more effort should be made to address rural based issues and holistic approach be taken, more programmes should be designed involving school children and teachers, a format should be prepared to assess effect of all the activities, a strong monitoring mechanism should also be built in, efforts be made to involve R&D institutions and scientists. This programme is likely to be launched in the beginning of the year 2004.

National Teachers’ Science Conference (NTSC)

The first ever National Teachers’ Science Conference was organized during September 9-12, 2003 at Barkatullah University, Bhopal. 300 teachers from across the country participated in the conference and made their oral and poster presentations on various aspects of science teaching. There was a strong feeling that this programme be made an annual feature enabling teachers to share experiences to improve science teaching and to build strong foundations of understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of science and mathematics. Satellite workshops were organized in parallel to make the Congress an enriching experience for all delegates.

National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC)

The 10th NCSC was organized in the campus of the Regional Institute of Education, Mysore (Karnataka) during December 27-31, 2002. His Excellency Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Hon’ble President of India inaugurated the Congress. Dr. Kalam interacted with children for over 45 minutes and left a deep impression on their minds. Around 545 young scientists from across the country presented their projects on the focal theme “Food System Towards Nutrition for all”. In addition to the delegates, 187 guide teachers, 80 state and district coordinators, 60 NCSTC-Network members and students from local schools also attended the deliberations and took part in various activities of the programme. Two best projects from each state, a total of 70, were selected to participate in the Children’s Session of the 90th Annual Session of the Indian Science Congress at Bangalore during January 3-8, 2003.

A four-day national brain-storming workshop on developing activity guide for NCSC 2004 and 2005 was organized at Kolkata during May 8-11, 2003 with ‘Water’ as the focal theme.

National Science Day: 2003

The National Science Day was celebrated in Technology Bhavan, New Delhi on February 27, 2003. On this occasion, the National Awards for Science and Technology Communication and DBT Biosciences Career Awards were also presented. National Science Day lecture was delivered by Dr. Seyed E. Hasnain, Director, Center for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad. He spoke on “Evolution of Biology: Demolishing Existing Dogmas and Questioning the Unquestionable”. National Science Day was celebrated by most states and union territories and by all scientific departments, agencies and laboratories throughout the country. ‘Open days’, lectures by eminent scientists, seminars, quizzes, and competitions, etc., formed part of the celebrations.

National Awards for S&T Communication

The Parishad had instituted awards to stimulate, encourage and recognize outstanding efforts in the area of science and technology communication in 1987. These awards are announced and conferred every year. For the year 2002, National Award for Best Effort in Science and Technology Communication of Rs. 1, 00,000 each was given to Vigyan Parishad Prayag, Allahabad and Prof. D. Balasubramanian, Director of Research, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. National Award for Best Science & Technology Coverage in Mass Media of Rs. 50,000 each was given to Dr. Bir Singh, Additional Professor, Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and Shri. H.R. Krishnamurthy, Director, All India Radio, New Delhi. National Award for Best Effort in Science Popularization among Children of Rs. 50,000 was given to National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi. A special award of Rs 10,000 and a shawl was presented to Dr. R. Parthasarthy, Retired Professor IIT, Chennai for his lifetime contribution to science communication.

Indian Journal of Science Communication

Realizing the need of a research journal in the area of science communication, the Parishad has initiated a project for bringing out a half yearly international research journal on science communication titled “Indian Journal of Science Communication” in association with Indian Science Communication Society, Lucknow. The objective of the journal is to provide a forum for researchers and practitioners of science communication for exchanging their research findings and views on various aspects of science and technology communication.

International Conference for Science Communicators

The Parishad supported a session on scientific temper as part of International Conference for Science Communicators organized by National Centre for Science Communicators, Marathi Vidnyan Parishad and International Union for Science Communicators in Mumbai in June 2003. Delegates from different countries participated in the Conference. The catalytic role of the Parishad in focusing on non-formal science education for school students was the core of discussions.

National Seminar on Scientific Awareness and People’s Empowerment: Role of Investigative
Science Journalism

A national seminar on Scientific Awareness and People’s Empowerment: Role of Investigative Science Journalism was organized in Technology Bhawan, New Delhi during December 19-20, 2003 with the objective to discuss role of science journalism in people’s empowerment leading to capacity building for informed decision making. Over 100 scientists, science communicators, science writers, journalists, media persons and social activists participated in the seminar and deliberated on various aspects of investigative science journalism.

The deliberations were largely in Hindi, which was the official language of the seminar.

Publications

Support was continued to Eklavya, Bhopal for Srote, a science and technology news and feature service started in 1988 with a view to enhancing the quantity and quality of S&T coverage in Hindi newspapers and periodicals. This also aimed at making available reference materials for teachers, students and others engaged in S&T communication. The monthly compilation of popular articles in a magazine format is also gaining popularity. Srote is also available on internet at www.srote.com.

NCSTC Communications, a bilingual (Hindi and English) monthly newsletter was brought out regularly and circulated to over 10000 academic institutions, research laboratories, members of parliament, science based organizations/institutions and individual science communicators across the country connecting all of them through various columns of the newsletter.

‘Model Rocketry-A Manual’ was brought out by Institute of Education, Science and Technology for People, Dharwad, which gives various steps of this popular hands-on activity.

Two publications, viz. i) Voluntary Blood Donation - a Practical Manual for Training of Blood Donor Motivators, and ii) Swaichhik Raktadan Protsahan Guidelines, based on training modules developed by RVPSP have been printed by Heart Care Foundation of India, New Delhi and Energy Research Application, Delhi respectively.

Low-Cost Demonstration Kit

A project on development of combined water and soil testing kit, manual, posters, multimedia presentation and activities to be carried out by children has been conceptualized and initiated. A 3 days workshop was organized in April 2003 at Cotton College, Guwahati in this connection. The kit and resource materials are ready for training programme on water and soil testing.

Traditional Science Toys

A series of six regional workshops for teachers, craftsmen and designers for developing basic ideas and guidelines for creating hands-on-activities and toys to understand scientific principles was organized by Manthan Education Society, Ahmedabad in western states of the country, i.e. Gujarat and Maharashtra. This programme is aimed at compiling, collecting and documenting information about existing traditional toys through which scientific principles could be explained.

Science Wallpaper

Science wallpaper has been launched by the Parishad through Eklavya, Bhopal to fulfil need for authentic information on issues of current science and technology among students of colleges and universities. This fortnightly wallpaper in Hindi and English in addition to debating current issues will provide space for interaction and stimulate interest in issues of science and technology amongst high school and college students.

Books on Science Communication

Two books - 1) Prasaran Madhyamo Ke Liye Vigyan Katha (Radio), ii) Prasaran Madhyamo Ke Liye Vigyan Katha (Television) were brought out as an offshoot of two training workshops on these issues organized by Bhartiya Vigyan Katha Lekhak Samiti .

Audio-Visual Programmes

Interesting audio programmes and video films have been commissioned on: Achievements of Shri Pathani Chandrasekhar Samanta - an innovative astronomer of 19th century; Information Technology; Innovation amongst Children-selected projects from National Children’s Science Congress; Rise of Modern Indian Science; Year of Scientific Awareness; and Capsules on promoting Voluntary Blood Donation. Two TV serials, viz. i) Popular Science Quiz, and ii) Innovations and Innovators are in the process of production. A 5 part TV film serial titled “Fossil Memoirs” on life and work of Prof. Birbal Sahni was telecast on Gyan Darshan channel during February-March 2003.

Programme for Visually Challenged

In order to cater to visually challenged persons, efforts are being made to continue a popular science magazine Vigyan Dhara in Braille including print and audio versions in the form of cassettes. English and Hindi versions of the quarterly magazine are being brought out.

Training in Science Writing/ Journalism/ Illustrations

In order to encourage science coverage in print and electronic media, the Parishad organizes short term training workshops in various parts of the country in different regional languages.
Some 40 budding science writers/journalists, scientists and teachers participated in each workshop. They learnt various techniques of presenting scientific contents in a simple and interesting manner to the masses using various media. About 25 scripts on current science were developed by them with the help of resource persons during the workshops.

Academic Courses

Long term academic courses/ programmes in S&T Communication/ Journalism at universities/ institutions were continued. Some 30 students completed the course this year. Lucknow University has recently started research programme in this faculty leading to Ph.D. in science communication.

Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism, Bhopal granted recognition in principle to one-year training course in science journalism run by Indian Science Communication Society (ISCOS), Lucknow through distance education, which has been catalyzed and supported by the Parishad. A number of students from overseas are joining the course.

Motivational Programme

Eminent scientists were encouraged to spend quality time with brilliant students of Class XI. This week-long interaction was to motivate the students and develop strong bonds with the scientists. This programme was aimed to attract, encourage and create interest among bright students towards careers in S&T.

Disaster Preparedness

A new activity has been initiated during the period, which involves training volunteers in skills useful during natural disasters or calamities, like accidents, fire, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, etc. The module includes safe construction from engineering aspects, techniques of giving first aid to disaster victims, reviving victims of drowning, handling of fires, development of search and rescue skills, skills for team formation under stress, psychological support to disaster victims and other related topics. Practical demonstrations and exercises followed theory sessions.

Preparatory phase of Transit of Venus

Taking advantage of a rare celestial event of transit of Venus on June 8, 2004, a programme to make people aware of the phenomenon related to transits and eclipses is being planned. This will also help overcome superstitions and unscientific beliefs associated with such events. The main objective of the programme is to utilize the event for triggering an interest in astronomy. A range of activities involving students/ teachers/ general public in active association with government, academic and voluntary organizations are being planned. The event would be used to introduce astronomy in science clubs in schools on sustained basis.

Technology Popularization

A project has been supported in five schools of Delhi to introduce carpentry, masonry, painting, electrical repair, etc. by Foundations for Future, New Delhi, a science based voluntary organization. The skill-training programme is being done as part of ‘Work Experience’ in these schools.

Nature Science Activity Camp

The main objective of this camp was to expose children and teachers to activity based science camp and to train children and teachers in observation, identification, documentation of biodiversity around them. These camps were organized in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh and West Bengal.

Awareness programme on Vermi-composting

A training module on vermi-composting for school science teachers and coordinators of science clubs has been developed with the help of various experts including educationists, illustrators, etc. The technology package on vermi-culturing/ Vermi-composting is introduced with a wide range of activities using posters, slide sets, transparencies. A national workshop was organized in Wardha in order to test the module at field level.

S&T Councils Coordination Meeting

A coordination meeting of State S&T Councils/ Departments was organized at Punjab State Council of Science & Technology, Chandigarh in September 2003. Some 22 S&T Councils/Departments were represented in the meeting. The objective was to discuss various issues concerning science communication programmes in Year of Scientific Awareness, National Children’s Congress, Transit of Venus, Rise of Modern Indian Science, etc.

Website

A website on science communication, with URL http://www.vichar.nic.in has been launched. This website has sections of interest to different target groups viz. youngsters, teachers, science communicators and general visitors. Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS)

Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) programme is a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional R&D programme of the Department of Science and Technology, aimed at developing methodologies for building and promoting the use of spatial data management and analysis technologies in local area planning. In the context of NRDMS, any natural resource, which is important for local area development, is relevant for study. For developing necessary inputs for local planning strategies, NRDMS is supporting several academic and R & D Institutions with projects specially focusing towards the need of local level planning. Emphasis is being given on development and adoption of suitable spatial data technologies for natural resources management, carry out R & D related to geo-informatics for finding solutions to locale specific problems related to natural resources and provide necessary information to the planners to make objective decisions.

Keeping in view the current system of governance, technological advancement and the end-user requirements, vision of the NRDMS programme has been upgraded to empower people, communities and institutions of self-governance, with Spatial Data Technologies, for informed participation in decision-making for Integrated Development of local areas. To fulfill the above vision of the NRDMS programme, the goals have been updated to strengthen the S&T inputs in developing tools and techniques for integrated resource management and for capacity building at various levels for planning and implementation in a spatio-temporal context in a multi-level framework below the district. To support the above goals, objectives of NRDMS have been revised as follows:

• Demonstrate and promote the use of Spatial Data Technologies for micro-level planning under diverse terrain conditions;
  
• Provide S&T inputs for framing policies related to Spatial Data Technologies;
• Develop & Demonstrate pilot scale spatial infrastructure and provide research support to National Spatial Data Infrastructure; and
• Documentation and dissemination of information.

The new thrust areas for R&D identified under the programme are:

- Spatial Data Technologies;
- Advanced Technology Applications in large scale spatial data gathering;
- Land & Water Management at local level; and
- Technology Transfer and Capacity Building.

The focus is on catalyzing R&D and application of Geo-Spatial information technologies for finding locale-specific solutions on planning. The activities under the NRDMS programme during 2003-2004 have been reported below:

• GIS District Database Centers

The existing centres were oriented for organising the data on the improved database design. Efforts were made for transferring the Spatial Decision Support Systems developed for water, infrastructure and energy sectors. GIS Database Centers were set up in Ranchi in Jharkhand, Tehri Garhwal and Nainital in Uttaranchal.

Some of the important outputs of the GIS Database Centres are listed below:-

• Tribal Sub-plan for Bankura District, 2003-2004.
  
• Annual Plan under Rastriya Sam Vikas Yojana, Purulia District, 2002 – 03 to 2004-05.

Software Development

a) An Indigenous Raster to Vector Conversion Package (Ras2Vec) has been developed. This package converts raster images to vector images, which would need minimal operator intervention.

b) A non-invasive tool (numerical model) for predicting the influence of coastal structures on the near shore bathymetry and sediment dynamics has been developed.

c) Two applications one on Health Infrastructure Information System for Delhi NCR (Figure 5.6) and another on Web based GIS application for health related data at all India level have been developed. The prototype of these applications has been demonstrated to National Institute of Health & Family Welfare Officials. This has generated some interest in the user department and interaction has since been stared in September 2003.

d) SFRECOLAND programme, originally developed in DOS for local level land use planning is being updated to Window format in VB language.

e) EduSDSS, a tool for Educational Planning has been developed. This has been achieved through evaluation of the present education system at village, block and district level. The main functions of the tool are forecasting the requirements of new schools and related resources based on the census data, Locating new schools, Allocating resources like teachers and buildings and Generating reports at the block, village & school level.

R&D Project Outputs

a. A database has been generated in terms of Natural Resources including soils in North Tripura, Dhalai, West Tripura and South Tripura districts of Tripura. A model has been developed in terms of landscape-soil forming factors using Jenny’s state factors of soil formation. The developed soil landscape-model relation and soil landscape-crop model for individual district as well as 19 study areas (Figure 5.7) would help in developing the perspective planning for Tripura state in terms of agricultural crops, horticultural crops and plantation crops.

b. The SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) hydrological model was validated with the observed discharge data from Bewas and Dudhi watersheds in Madhya Pradesh and Waikhulok and Awang Khujailok of Manipur belonging to Loktak Lake watershed. The GRAM SWAT module was updated to remove some of the identified bugs with the help of IIT, Bombay. User manual for GRAM SWAT has been prepared and is ready for dissemination.

c. Database is being generated on isotopic/hydro-chemical responses under changing land use and water use, for assessment of spatial and temporal variations in ground water recharge and distribution of contaminants in groundwater systems and rationalize its behaviour with transit indiscriminate withdrawal of groundwater for Delhi region.

Figure 5.7:Radhakishorepur Paddy model showing characteristics of                                          Goachand soil suitable for paddy.

d. Twenty six Vertisols occurring in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Gujarat and Rajasthan were examined in the field. The morphological features of 26 pedons with special reference to (a) depth of cracking, (b) shape and size of slickensides, and (c) effervescence with HCl in the matrix of the peds, were recorded. The study has concluded that in view of the pedogenic process that ultimately impair the drainage of soils, rehabilitation and sustenance of Sodic & Non- Sodic Vertisols respectively on the basis of Hydraulic Conductivity alone may help in planning and management of Vertisols of India.

“Hydrology of small watersheds” sub-programme

Under the sub-programme, data on hydro-meteorological, soil, nutrients and process related parameters at small watershed level were generated on daily/weekly/monthly/seasonal basis in a pair of treated and untreated watersheds representing four different agroecological zones of the country. The data were analysed to generate water and land management plan containing water balance study monthly, water requirement (for human+cattle+crop +others (industry etc.),water availability from surface and ground water sources, water allocation for different uses. Present status and future scenario generation and Estimation of soil erosion spatially based on USLE equation is shown in Figure 5.8. Different models have been selected for generating alternate scenarios and to assess the impact of on-site and offsite management structures for soil and water conservation. SDSS for land and water management were developed for different agro ecological zones. Biophysical indicators were identified and used to monitor the changes due to the interventions. Figure 5.8: Alternate Scenarios of Soil Erosion before and after treatment of Payakkara watershed in Attappady valley of Kerala.

First phase of the sub-programme has been completed during Septemebr, 2003. The lessons learnt in terms of Hydrological behaviour of Small watersheds and Methodologies for preparation of Land and Water plans in different Agro-ecological regions are being incorporated as a part of the guidelines of watershed planning and management of Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development. The goal is to build up the technological capacity of Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs) so that they can provide technical support to watershed societies for Project Implementation in a better and efficient way.

Landslide Hazard Mitigation” sub-programme

Under this sub-programme, landslide hazard zonation mapping and risk assessment on larger scale has been undertaken in selected areas of Uttaranchal State. Soil nailing techniques to stabilize the unstable slopes has been demonstrated in one of the pilot sites near Rishikesh. Five R&D projects on landslide hazard mitigation are being supported as a part of the Mission Project for Natural Disaster Mitigation in North Eastern States. Few sites have been selected for undertaking detailed geological and Geotechnical investigations to identify the slip surfaces and monitor the mass moment to develop the slope stability models.

• “Bio-Geo Database & Ecological modeling for the Himalayas” sub-programme Realising the strategic importance of the fragile Himalayan eco-system and the need to develop spatial methodologies for the conservation of its natural environment, the coordinated sub-programme on “Bio-Geo Database & Ecological Modeling for the Himalayas” had been initiated for the State of Himachal Pradesh in the year 2002. Currently, activities are taken-up to i) develop micro scale databases (1;12,500) on natural resources and socioeconomy aspects for three micro watersheds viz. Mandhala, Moolbery and Megad representing the lower, middle and higher altitudinal transects respectively, ii) assess the information needs of users at different levels for planning, and iii) build up technological capacity of participating multi-disciplinary research institutions in Geo-spatial technologies by organising customised training courses.

DST has recently launched an initiative to establish a National Spatial Data Infrastructure. Primary aim of the initiative is to standardize the data sets, make the standard sets available on a network, and set up a set of mechanisms and policies for facilitating authentication and availability of various types of spatial data sets collected in the country for use in various developmental activities. Various departments and survey agencies like DST,SOI, NATMO, DOS, GSI, ICAR, CGWB are participating in this endeavour. Creation of the NGDI will require launching of various R & D initiatives defining data / metadata standards, developing data transfer standards, building up data browsing tools / protocols, setting-up of data clearing houses for data validation /authentication. NGDI with its data / metadata standards will facilitate creation and development of resource databases for the district level GIS centers and modeling studies under the NRDMS Programme. During the X plan, it is therefore proposed to launch a sub-programme on NGDI to help evolve the standard data sets needed for developing district level databases and modeling exercises vis-à-vis the NGDI standards. A mechanism will be set up for validating and authenticating the data sets generated under NRDMS programme through primary surveys for research and modeling purposes.

Mapping the Neighbourhood Programme

This programme has three components viz. (i) The Great Arc Shows, (ii) Lambton Ka Kaarvan and (iii) Map your Neighbourhood. During 2003 – 2004, the programme was launched in Uttaranchal State. The Great Arc Show was organized in Almora on 17th June 2003 to generate the initial spark of awareness in the form of performing art and music about the journey of preparation of maps. Neighbourhood mapping exercise was also organized to map the surrounding areas with the help of school children. This was a step in generating knowledge maps and also creating awareness/ capacity building among the students and teachers. The second Great Arc Show was organized on 9th November 2003 at Dehradun. The Lambton Ka Kaarvan has been flagged off on the same day to cover the State of Uttaranchal in 44 days with 23 show days. The mapping exercise was initiated with 10 schools in Hawalbagh development block of Almora District. As a part of the programme, detailed methodology for neighbourhood mapping is also being developed.

Status report for the meeting of the TIFAC Council

Information Technology for Sustainable Agriculture in Punjab (ITSAP) project, launched in March 2001 is aimed to address the major concerns voiced about the present agricultural production system in Punjab that is heavily based on the rice-wheat cropping system. Degradation of the natural resource base i.e. the soil heath and the groundwater regime has prompted several individuals and committees to suggest adoption of a more balanced and integrated agricultural system in the state. The major accomplishments of the project so far are:

• Field experiments on growing chickpea and maize with the backup of integrated pest management technology have had considerable success. The experiment on chickpea has now been extended to 150 acres and farmers are being trained to grow quality seeds. Chickpea cultivation requires fewer inputs of irrigation and fertilizer. At the present market rate, chickpea gives much higher economic return (almost two times) as compared to wheat.
• Spatial resource profiles for Patiala and Muktsar districts have been completed and ported at the District Level Nodes.
  
• A film “Sonna Channa-Waqt Ki Maang” produced under ITSAP has been telecast by Doordarshan Kendra, Jallandhar.

As a result of efforts under ITSAP, new insights are emerging which suggest important possibilities of setting the agricultural production system in Punjab on a sustainable course.

State Science And Technology Programme

The concept of State S&T Councils is the basis of a decentralised planning approach for application of S&T for development. The State level machinery has to take the role of a major “prime mover” while Centre could play a catalytic but effective role in encouraging this initiative of state governments. The initiative to promote Science & Technology in states was the result of the realisation that however large the Central Government’s investment in various sectors of S&T, and however advanced the institutional infrastructure, the Central S&T Agencies and Departments must take the States along if the development goals are to be attained. The experience during fourth and fifth plan led the Planning Commission to ask DST to formulate a scheme to provide key assistance (including for their S&T Secretariats) for the development of State Councils of Science & Technology which was initiated in 6th Plan. By the end of Ninth Five Year Plan, all the States and Union Territories had established their State S&T structures and identified portfolio of S&T sectors for promotion.

The programme is aimed at upliftment of socio-economic conditions of the masses through application of Science & Technology. DST effort, though catalytic, had served a very important purpose of establishing State S&T structures and gearing up these structures to assume the role of a prime mover in planning and implementing S&T activities. State S&T Councils and DST are now initiating programmes where resources and technologies are being pooled together to have visible impact. In addition to support for setting-up and strengthening S&T structures and facilitating information exchange, support has been provided for S&T demonstration projects, replication projects and S&T studies & surveys.

Progress of ongoing programmes

• Strengthening of State S&T Councils
  
• Core support to professional S&T secretariat of State S&T Councils was continued with greater focus on strengthening S&T manpower in new and emerging areas relevant for development of the state.
• Programme on professional development to ensure requisite S&T capabilities to facilitate joint programmes & collaborative projects and suitable career advancement of S&T secretariat in State S&T Councils to ensure retention of experienced personnel as well as attract talented S&T professionals was formulated.
• Support is likely to be initiated to the states of Uttaranchal and Jharkhand.
• Programme meetings for developing Joint S&T based developmental programmes amongst State S&T Councils and Departments of mountaineous region and coastal region states have been planned.

Project Based Support

• During the year, two meetings of Project Evaluation Group were held in which 53 projects were considered and 28 were approved. DST also organised one Group Monitoring Meeting in which 25 projects were monitored.

Demonstration Projects

Some of the important demonstration projects supported/ continued were setting-up of facilities for Dissemination of Indian Standard Time in North-Eastern States, introducing and evaluating scientific storage practices for foodgrains among selected rural households in Coimbatore District; setting-up of a sericulture demonstration plant and training of manpower in Jammu & Kashmir; demonstration of non-chemical pest management in cotton: Action research in different agroclimatic zones of Tamilnadu; large scale treatment of drinking water containing nitrate by multi-bioreactor system (Tamilnadu); micropropagation and cultivation of most sought after medicinal herbs used in Ayurveda and allied systems with people’s participation ( Kerala); R&D Pilot defluoridation plant based on activated alumina (AA) treatment technology (Community level) (Rajasthan); Seed production and mass culture of economically important Cephalopods (Squids and cuttle fishes) (Tamilnadu); rain water harvesting in Tumkur City in Karnataka; Pilot demonstration project on decentralized renewable energy development in tribal area of Rajasthan;

Figure 5.9: Reverse Osmosis Demonstration Plant for Treatment of hard &Brackish drinking water at Uttarlai Air Force Station, Barmer, Rajasthan

Demonstration of low cost technologies for treatment of Domestic sewage (Punjab); and Demonstration programme on Natural Dyes for the State of Uttaranchal. The projects on strengthening of instrument repair capabilities in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and demonstration project on seawater desalination in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Tamilnadu are likely to be initiated. Demonstration project on reverse osmosis based water treatment has been set-up at Uttarlai air force base in the State of Rajasthan (Figure 5.9).

Location Specific R&D and Technology Development

The projects initiated were design and development of prototype machine (Fibre Extractor) for waste arecanet shell (Assam), Soil Testing Laboratory for Hilly Regions of Nainital District (Uttaranchal), Study of leaching characteristics of fly ash of identified thermal power stations and its effect on soil and ground water contamination (Uttaranchal), development of know-how for utilizing below ground biodiversity responsible for nutrient cycling and its restoration for on-farm fertility management under organic cultivation practices (Rajasthan). The Project on Monitoring, Surveillance and Control of Important Poultry diseases at Namakkal was successfully completed (Tamilnadu).

Survey and Studies

The projects supported were community capacity building in water quality monitoring and water sources management (Himachal Pradesh), popularization of orchid floriculture among rural masses by the adoption of mycorrhizal fungal technology (Tamilnadu), documentation of student projects (Tamilnadu) and preparation of atlas of problems of eight selected blocks in Tripura requiring S&T interventions. Mapping of S&T needs, inventorization and documentation of location specific problems for science & technology interventions was initiated in Madhya Pradesh. Similar studies are proposed to be initiated in ten more states. Feasibility study for implementation of Karanj seed based renewable energy package in Punjab, Survey to assess prevalence of genetic disorders and awareness programme among Rural Women regarding their causative factors and prevention (Punjab), Restoration of Traditional Dyes of Manipur, Biochemical Investigations of Enriched Coir Pith Compost Materials (Kerala), study on technology intervention for developing management system for Fresh Water Pisciculture to enhance Local Fish Production in Arunachal Pradesh, Community survey on substance related disorders (Drug abuse) in Kashmir valley, Pilot Study on the Drinking Water Problems & its Potential Solutions (In Bokaro and Ranchi districts of Jharkhand State) and Ground water quality monitoring in Kanpur district along the Gangetic Plain (Uttar Pradesh), Project on Income Generation Programme for Traditional Artisans through innovated technology inputs completed. (Himachal Pradesh). Project on evolving the means and method to eliminate the silica dust pollution through S&T and prevent silicoses disease of the population in and around slate, pencil factories of District Mandsaur of Madhya Pradesh, pilot studies of low cost water filter (Uttar Pradesh) and study/ survey to identify location specific problems in Assam were completed.

Training and Workshops

A meeting of Eastern Region states was held on the theme “Linking Eco-Biodiversity to economic development of the State”. A Workshop on Ferrocement Technology Transfer for Hilly Region was organised at Disaster Mitigation & Management Centre, Dehradun (Uttaranchal). Department also supported two training programmes on demonstration of natural dyes in the state of Uttaranchal. Workshops on climate change and molecular lectronics
based memory systems were supported to HP State S&T Council and Karnataka State S&T Councils respectively.

Major Achievements

• Demonstration plant for treatment of hard and brackish water commissioned successfully at Uttarlai Air Force Station, Barmer.
• Demonstration plants for treatment of plastic waste using plasma pyrolysis technology are ready for despatch at Facilitation Centre for Industrial Plasma Technologies, Gandhinagar. The plants are likely to be commissioned soon.
• Demonstration Pollution Control Unit for Cupola furnace set-up in Kaithal, Haryana.
• Project on Monitoring, Surveillance and Control of Important Poultry Diseases at Namakhal. Significant decrease in mortality rate has been observed as a result of implementation of practices which emerged as an output of the project.

New Initiatives

The following new initiatives were taken during the year:

• Programme workshop to formulate Joint S&T developmental programmes for mountaineous and coastal regions.
• Integrated programme on S&T intervention for addressing Drinking Water Contamination problems in the Chhatisgarh State.
• Pilot demonstration project on decentralised renewable energy development in Tribal areas of Rajasthan.

Documentation effort on developmental projects being implemented by State Science & Technology Councils has been initiated. Three video capsules of five minutes each have been prepared. Video film of one hour duration is under preparation.