Question : Forecast of Earthquakes

(a) whether the Government is formulating any special action plan for accurate forecast of earthquakes on lines of Japan and the USA, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether in the absence of any forecast about earthquakes large scale loss of life and property takes place, if so, the details thereof;

(c) the location of the existing research centres for getting accurate forecast of earthquakes in the country; and

(d) the steps being taken by the Government to upgrade the said centres to state-of-the-art level?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) Presently, there is no plan to formulate any special action for accurate forecast of earthquakes as there is no scientific technique available, anywhere in the world to predict the occurrence of the earthquake with reasonable degree of accuracy in terms of space, time and magnitude.

(b) The large earthquakes have been of concern since historical times, as they cause loss of human lives and destruction to property. However, in absence of forecast technique, steps have been taken up in the form of preparation of large-scale seismic zonation maps and publication of guidelines for designing and construction of earthquake resistant buildings. These guidelines are in wide circulation amongst the public and the administrative authorities responsible for the design and construction of earthquake resistant buildings in earthquake prone areas.

(c) and (d)Does not arise.