Cracks in soil near Nada Sahib: Expertssay nothing to worry, related to rainfall

The cracks appearing in the soil near Nada Sahib have been attributed by geological experts to soil erosion after rainfall.

Last week, cracks were witnessed in the soil in the area, causing a scare about seismic activity.

The region is known to be prone to seismic activity and has been graded as Zone IV indicating that it is a high-risk zone. The movement of landmass and active fault lines also cause displacement of soil. As cracks appeared in the soil, it was believed to be caused due to shifting of the fault plates.

Geologists, however, have a different view. Geologist Prof A D Ahluwalia says that a possible cause of the cracks in the soil is the rainfall in the area. It is a common sight in the fields as well that cracks appear after rain.

Echoing similar views, former deputy director general (north) of Geological Survey of India U K Bassi says that there have been no earthquakes in the region in some time. So cracks have not appeared due to seismic activity.

With rainfall having been experienced in the area over the past few days, experts believe that it led to erosion of soil as is common in the agricultural fields as well. The cracks, they feel, will get filled up on their own. Another reason being attributed to the cracks is the quality of soil. The soil in the area is more prone to erosion. The experts say that the cracks are not deep enough to be attributed to movement of the fault plates.

Fault lines are caused as a result of strain release from inside the earth that lead to tremors on the surface. Prof Naval Kishore, Dean College Development at Panjab University who is a geologist, says that there are weak zones in the region. Due to tectonic disturbances and weak rocks, displacement of soil is caused.

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