HP plans to implement measures to enhance state’s readiness for earthquakes

SHIMLA: Seeing that Himachal Pradesh lies in seismic zone IV and V, making it exceptionally vulnerable to earthquakes, an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system will be installed in the state, said Onkar Chand Sharma, principal secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management. The decision was taken by the principal secretary in a meeting, held on July 20, where the development of the system was discussed. Dr Kamal, associate professor, IIT Roorkee, Prof A K Mahajan, dean, School of Earth & Environment Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Kangra, Dr Manmohan Singh, director, India Meteorological Department, Shimla, were present at the meeting. IIT Roorkee, who have also installed a similar system of detection in Uttarakhand, have sent a proposal to the Government of Himachal Pradesh regarding the establishment of the same in the state.

Sharma said that the state might install earthquake sensors in different parts which would detect earthquake activities in real time. The warning might be communicated to the public by a network of sirens. If the earthquake had its epicentre in Kangra or Mandi regions, the people in the capital might get lead time to take action, say by 30 to 35 seconds, he added.

Sharma said that the government might consider the same and more discussions would be held to materialise the proposal to minimise the expected loss and damage.

Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) is preparing to develop an online database of retired engineers, architects and technocrats from various departments, up for public access. The state’s citizens can use the services of the officials for guidance to safer construction in urban and rural areas. The declaration was made by Onkar Chand Sharma at a meeting on techno-legal regime for construction activities.

The meeting also agreed upon screening for structural and fire safety norms in all the constructions of the state including educational institutes, housing colonies, hotels and resorts or any other commercial structure such as ‘dhabas’, tea stalls and homestays.