Science Express to popularise science

Science Express to popularise science

Kolkata, May 10 (PTI) The Science Express Climate Action Special (SECAS II), an innovative(अभिनव) mobile science exhibition on a 16-coach AC train, will stop at 68 stations across the country in its current phase tour till September. "The Science Express 9th Phase is covering around 70 stations for science popularisation(लोकप्रिय बनाने) in nearby areas," the Secretary Department of Science and Technology, Prof Ashutosh Sharma told PTI at a recent DST programme in the city. "The exhibition is a good opportunity to generate dialogue and discussion on science-related issues," Sharma said. The current ninth phase of the Science Express (SECAS II), flagged off on February 17 this year will be completed on September 8, this year, covering 19,000 km, a Central government press statement said today. The SECAS is a unique collaborative(सहयोगी) initiative of DST, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Railways, Wildlife Institute of India and Vikram A sarabhai Community Science Centre. Science Express Phase I to IV had showcased cutting edge research in science and technology being carried worldwide, Phase V to VII was based on the theme of biodiversity and as 'Science Express Biodiversity Special' it showcased the rich biodiversity of India. Phase VIII as 'Science Express Climate Action Special' highlighted the global challenge of climate change, the release said. Climate change is an important environmental issue with many short term and long term impacts, from shifting weather patterns that threaten food production to rising sea level that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding(विपत्तिपूर्ण बाढ़), the impact of climate change are not just global in scope but more severely affect the poor. Since its launch in October 2007, over 1.61 crore people had visited Science Express.