Keeping in view the January 26, 2001 earthquake, the ISR is in the process to install three Multi-Parametric Geophysical Observatories (MPGOs) at Kutch, which will be a first of its kind in India.

MPGOs will have different geophysical data sets, information about current earthquakes and catalogues of quakes in different states, and Geographical Information System-based (GIS) intelligent earthquake hazard maps.

B K Rastogi, Director General, ISR said: "MPGOs are being installed to examine every minute seismic activity in the Kutch-Bhuj region. This system currently exists only in the Himalayan ranges. Gujarat is the first Indian state to acquire this kind of a system. Each MPGO will cost nearly Rs 20 crore."

ISRC, which is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), is also working on to set up around 64 seismographic centres across the state.

An attempt is being made to install around 25 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) across the state, of which 10 have already been installed, said Rastogi. He added: "Bhuj and Bhavnagar have the maximum geological faults, which have high seismic activity. However, our department intends to cover the focal depth of the epicentre of around eight important geological faults in the region."

He went on to say that the seismographic station and GPS would be helpful in assessing any seismic activity in the region where dams are located. Three permanent GPS stations have been established at Khavda, Radhanpur and Gandhinagar, while more permanent and campaign mode GPS stations are being established. The data from all the permanent GPS stations in western India will be housed at ISR.

ISR is, meanwhile, also carrying out a microzonation activity in Kutch, which will help know the soil bearing capacity. "The microzonation will guide engineers about the soil bearing capacity and what kind of infrastructure should be established to erect a building in a specific area," said Rastogi. He further said that a pilot project in Kutch is on the verge of completion, and a similar activity has been initiated in the Kutch region.