Question : SEISMOLOGY RESEARCH CENTRE IN GUJARAT



(a) the number of tremors of earthquake occurred in Gujarat after 26.01.2001, location-wise during October/November, 2001;

(b) the highest frequency of tremors occurred on a particular day;

(c) whether it is a fact that the earthquake catastrophe level of Gujarat is one of the highest among the stable continental regions of the world;

(d) if so, whether the Government of Gujarat has submitted a proposal for setting up of an Institute of Seismology Research in Gujarat for prediction, preparation resistance and restoration;

(e) whether the Institute will be useful in mitigating the loss of human life and property in future earthquake in the country;

(f) the time by which it is likely to be established;

(g) if not, the reasons therefore;

(h) whether the Government have constituted an expert committee to work out the details of the proposed project;

(i) if so, whether the Committee have submitted its report; and

(j) the estimated cost of the project and the quantum of assistance proposed to be provided by the Government to the State?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SHRI BACHI SINGH RAWAT)


(a) Sir, a total of 927 aftershocks, having magnitude 3.0 and above have been recorded in Bhuj area since Jan. 26, 2001. Out of which, 52 have occurred in October/November 2001. In addition, 1393 tremors, mostly below magnitude 2, have also occurred in Haripur village, Junagadh district, Gujarat from Oct. 26th-Nov. 30th, 2001. The maximum magnitude of tremors recorded was 3.2 on Richter Scale.

(b) The highest frequency of tremors recorded in Haripur village, Junagadh district, Gujarat on November 10th, 2001 was 145.


(c) Yes, Sir


(d to J) Sir, a proposal has been received from the Government of Gujarat for setting up of a Seismological Research Institute. An Expert Group was constituted to concretize the proposal and work out the details including the estimated cost and possible financing patterns and mechanisms. The Expert Group has submitted its report, and action has been initiated for processing the proposal further.