Long-term quake forecasting plan to be implemented soon

Long-term quake forecasting plan to be implemented soon
SANTWANA BHATTACHARYA

NEW DELHI, FEB 13: After the Gujarat earthquake caught them on the wrong foot, the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet (SAC-C) has decided to implement a long-term earthquake forecasting programme at once.

The SAC-C, which is vigorously trying to set-up a well-heeled system to avoid repeating the Gujarat situation, has decided to go for international collaboration for this programme and will also periodically revise the standards of construction, with one revision beginning at once. This was decided at the SAC-C meeting with a body of experts over the weekend.

It was felt at the meeting that continuous data monitoring could help in long-term earthquake forecasting and also urban planning. Experts and committee members have been repeatedly claiming that the present knowledge pool regarding earthquakes is inadequate to predict future earthquakes.

To minimise damage and reduce fatalities during natural calamities like the Republic Day quake, SAC-C is trying to evolve a workable methodology for implementing building codes with greater attention to new constructions as well as the existing ones.

The other major recommendations include strengthening the existing network of earthquake instrumentation in a quick mission mode, and continuous updating of the seismic zonation map. To ensure future alertness, the SAC-C will pursue the quick mission mode programme on micro-zonation at least in zone-VI and V on a high-priority basis, which will help it in monitoring the earth's movements.

Besides this, it is expected to draw up a plan for industry's participation in management of disasters along with the Government.