Sunday, January 30 2005 12:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Appreciative of its quick help in the aftermath of the recent tsunami tragedy, several SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) members want India to take the lead in establishing disaster management mechanisms in the region.

Disaster management is one of the areas of focus that has been incorporated in the agenda for the SAARC Summit in Dhaka on Feb 6, 2005 and Feb 7, 2005.

India should take this initiative as it has the money, technology and requisite facilities, says Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuk who was chief guest at this year's Republic Day celebrations.

Sri Lanka and Maldives, two of the countries, which received prompt assistance after the tidal waves left a trail of devastation, also share the view that India should be in the forefront of efforts in this direction.

Backed by scientific expertise, India has already announced that a tsunami early warning system would be put in place so that during such disasters, adequate time was available to make preparations.

The SAARC Summit slated to be held earlier this month was deferred by a month owing to the tsunami disaster in three of the seven SAARC countries--India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to leave for Dhaka on February five and return on February seven soon after the SAARC leaders announce the Dhaka Declaration.