(a) whether it is a fact that the scientists had cautioned about the possibility of major earthquake in some parts of India;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government had taken steps to monitor the crustal movements;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefore?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)
(a) & (b): At present, there is no scientific technique available anywhere in the world to forecast the occurrence of earthquakes in terms of time, location and magnitude. However, based on the seismological, geological, geophysical & geotechnical studies, the country has been divided into four seismic zones. i.e. zone II – V. The seismic zonation map is published by the Bureau of Indian Standards. As per this map, zone V is considered to be the most vulnerable to earthquake occurrence, while the zone II is the least.
(c) & (d): The Department of Science & Technology has a major programme on Global Positioning System (GPS) aided crustal deformation studies. Under this 30 permanent GPS stations have been established in different parts of the country.
(e): Does not arise.