North News
New Delhi, December 20
The Indian government plans to expand the network of seismological observatories in Himachal Pradesh to improve earthquake preparedness, the Ministry of Earth Sciences told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Himachal Pradesh currently has seven permanent seismological observatories, with details available on the National Centre for Seismology’s (NCS) website. The move follows heightened seismic activity in the Himalayan region, with the Kangra earthquake of 1905 serving as a historical reminder of the devastating risks. The quake caused significant destruction and loss of life, underscoring the need for robust disaster management and public awareness.
The Ministry announced plans to add 100 more observatories to India’s seismic network to improve monitoring, early warning systems, and seismic research. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS), operating 166 stations, serves as the nodal agency for seismic activity monitoring and disseminating information to stakeholders nationwide.
The announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Parliament.
