MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SHRI BACHI SINGH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Government is aware of the earthquake activity in the vicinity of Koyana dam in Satara District. During the last three years, 49 earthquakes of magnitude 3 and above on Richter scale have been recorded by the National Seismological Network of India Meteorological Department.
(c) & (d) : Several initiatives have been taken by the Government of India to strengthen disaster management in the country, which include capacity building, search & rescue capabilities and web based disaster rescue network. The State Governments have been advised to draw up specific plans for capacity building, ensure enforcement of building codes, maintain inventory of resources and set up control rooms at the State and District levels. Satara district of Maharashtra is also a part of this initiative.
(e): Recently the seismological observational network in the Indian Peninsular shield including, Koyana-Warna have been upgraded with modern seismological equipment with communication links for quicker detection, location and data dissemination. A telemetered seismic network has recently been commissioned in Koyana-Warna region for better detection and location of earthquakes in the vicinity of Koyana Dam. GPS studies to monitor small surface movements have also been initiated. The earthquake data recorded during the last three years is not conclusive of increase or decrease of earthquake activity in that region. The Koyana region falls in Zone-IV of the seismic zoning map of India published by the Bureau of Indian Standards. According to this classification, the region is broadly associated with earthquakes of intensity VIII on Modified Meracalli Scale and is prone to damage due to earthquakes.
