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Government Launches GEMINI, a Disaster Warning Device for fisherman

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On October 10, 2019, Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched a disaster warning device and satellite-based Gagan Enabled Mariner’s Instrument for Navigation and Information (GEMINI) system. It will help provide information related to disaster warnings when fishermen move away from the coast beyond 10 to 12 kilometers, Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) and Ocean States Forecasts (OSF) to fishermen.Gagan Enabled Mariner’s Instrument for Navigation and Information (GEMINI)

Key Points:

  • GEMINI is developed by Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in partnership with Airports Authority of India (AAI). Electronically it was designed and manufactured by a private industry M/S Acord, Bangalore.
  • It utilizes the GAGAN (GPS- Global Positioning System Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) satellite system to transmit information to fishermen which is developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
  • It relies on the positioning system by ISRO’s GSAT (Geosynchronous Satellite) (GSAT – 8 and GSAT – 10).
  • It allows one-way communication only and the cost is Rs 9000.
  • The GEMINI app on the cell phone decodes the signals from GEMINI device and alerts the user on imminent threats like cyclones, high waves, and strong winds along with PFZ and search and rescue mission.
  • The minister also inaugurated Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) forecasts which will provide advisories to fishermen three days in advance.

About INCOIS:
Parent organization: Ministry of Earth Sciences
Headquarters: Hyderabad
Director: Satish Shenoi