a large eassy on devastating earthquake-uttrakhand
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In the last six years, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and several other areas in Uttarakhand have been repeatedly jolted by earthquakes ranging from magnitudes of 4 to 5.1 on the Richter scale. The most recent one on February 6, with a magnitude of 5.8, was enough to bring back memories of the previous times.
Though leading experts studying the fragile Himalayan eco-system are repeatedly giving a clear warning of a major earthquake anytime, politicians, who are busy fighting for votes and promising the moon to the electorate, have no plans in place to get the required infrastructure or to take steps for a better understanding of the eco-system.
As is expected, the day after the earthquake, netas from all parties did not forget to express their ''solidarity'' with the people by visiting their houses in their respective constituencies. For the people and experts, this meant nothing.
''We are expecting a major earthquake, something above six on the Richter scale, which can cause considerable damage. Himalayas are sensitive and unfortunately, our governments have not planned anything despite being hit by major earthquakes in 1991 and 1999. This is a cycle and every 10 years, Uttarakhand will be hit by a major earthquake. It can happen today, tomorrow or in the near future but it will happen,'' says Dr Anil P Joshi, founder of the Himayalan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO), which has been working in Uttarakhand and other Himalayan states for the past three decades.
A recipient of the Padmashri award, Dr Joshi says that if the government does not regulate the construction of high-rise buildings and hydroelectric projects, it will surely pay a heavy price. ''Uttarakhand falls in the category of high seismic zone and a major earthquake will repeat. By regulating the construction in the hills, we can minimize the effects of earthquake. But unfortunately, our governments wake up only when disaster strikes,'' he says.
After the devastating 1999 earthquake, the Centre had constituted a committee of eminent environmentalists to come up with various methods through which seismic activity could be studied in great depth and appropriate measures could be taken to minimise damage in the wake of major earthquakes.
One such proposal was to set up an observatory centre in the Himalayas to continuosly monitor seismic activites, study the Himalayan eco-system and suggest ways and means to minimise damage. Importantly, the idea was to predict the occurrence of an earthquake.
“I was part of this committee and though all members had unanimously suggested setting up an observatory centre in the Himayalas, the suggestion remained only on paper. Successive governments forgot about it. Even if it is set up now, it would contribute significantly in understanding seismic activities and predicting earthquakes. But the governments have to be serious. They are only interested in getting votes and are least bothered about what happens to the people. Despite the Kedarnath tragedy, we have not learnt any lessons,'' says Dr Joshi.
This committee was formed under the ministry of Science and Technology and Dr Joshi says that the government should wake up now. ''Otherwise, we will pay a heavy price. In the name of development, building high-rises is an open invitation to disaster that is lurking around the corner,'' he warns.
''The whole construction management depends upon the status and nature of the region, demand, resources and, most importantly, the ecological dimensions. This is more important as the Himalayas are a fragile and ecologically sensitive zone. Besides, the constant threat of floods and earthquakes makes it more vulnerable compared to other geographical locations in the country," he pointed out.
He said the recent disaster in Uttarakhand along with the past ones necessitate a total review of the construction approach.
Dr Joshi points out that advanced construction and management approaches might be suitable for cities, but in rural India and especially in the Himalayas, these are not of much use.
Quoting studies, another environmentalist, Ajay Singh Rawat says
Uttarakhand is among the most seismically active parts of the country and many earthquakes of the magnitude 5.5 on the Richter scale have hit the hill state since the year 1900.
''The state straddles several active parallel thrust faults that form the ranges of the Himalayas. These faults have been formed in the highly folded strata of these mountains. The main active features, as far as the ecosystem is concerned, is the main boundary thrust as well as the main frontal thrust. Any slippage between these has generated major earthquakes in the past” he said.
Though leading experts studying the fragile Himalayan eco-system are repeatedly giving a clear warning of a major earthquake anytime, politicians, who are busy fighting for votes and promising the moon to the electorate, have no plans in place to get the required infrastructure or to take steps for a better understanding of the eco-system.
As is expected, the day after the earthquake, netas from all parties did not forget to express their ''solidarity'' with the people by visiting their houses in their respective constituencies. For the people and experts, this meant nothing.
''We are expecting a major earthquake, something above six on the Richter scale, which can cause considerable damage. Himalayas are sensitive and unfortunately, our governments have not planned anything despite being hit by major earthquakes in 1991 and 1999. This is a cycle and every 10 years, Uttarakhand will be hit by a major earthquake. It can happen today, tomorrow or in the near future but it will happen,'' says Dr Anil P Joshi, founder of the Himayalan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO), which has been working in Uttarakhand and other Himalayan states for the past three decades.
A recipient of the Padmashri award, Dr Joshi says that if the government does not regulate the construction of high-rise buildings and hydroelectric projects, it will surely pay a heavy price. ''Uttarakhand falls in the category of high seismic zone and a major earthquake will repeat. By regulating the construction in the hills, we can minimize the effects of earthquake. But unfortunately, our governments wake up only when disaster strikes,'' he says.
After the devastating 1999 earthquake, the Centre had constituted a committee of eminent environmentalists to come up with various methods through which seismic activity could be studied in great depth and appropriate measures could be taken to minimise damage in the wake of major earthquakes.
One such proposal was to set up an observatory centre in the Himalayas to continuosly monitor seismic activites, study the Himalayan eco-system and suggest ways and means to minimise damage. Importantly, the idea was to predict the occurrence of an earthquake.
“I was part of this committee and though all members had unanimously suggested setting up an observatory centre in the Himayalas, the suggestion remained only on paper. Successive governments forgot about it. Even if it is set up now, it would contribute significantly in understanding seismic activities and predicting earthquakes. But the governments have to be serious. They are only interested in getting votes and are least bothered about what happens to the people. Despite the Kedarnath tragedy, we have not learnt any lessons,'' says Dr Joshi.
This committee was formed under the ministry of Science and Technology and Dr Joshi says that the government should wake up now. ''Otherwise, we will pay a heavy price. In the name of development, building high-rises is an open invitation to disaster that is lurking around the corner,'' he warns.
''The whole construction management depends upon the status and nature of the region, demand, resources and, most importantly, the ecological dimensions. This is more important as the Himalayas are a fragile and ecologically sensitive zone. Besides, the constant threat of floods and earthquakes makes it more vulnerable compared to other geographical locations in the country," he pointed out.
He said the recent disaster in Uttarakhand along with the past ones necessitate a total review of the construction approach.
Dr Joshi points out that advanced construction and management approaches might be suitable for cities, but in rural India and especially in the Himalayas, these are not of much use.
Quoting studies, another environmentalist, Ajay Singh Rawat says
Uttarakhand is among the most seismically active parts of the country and many earthquakes of the magnitude 5.5 on the Richter scale have hit the hill state since the year 1900.
''The state straddles several active parallel thrust faults that form the ranges of the Himalayas. These faults have been formed in the highly folded strata of these mountains. The main active features, as far as the ecosystem is concerned, is the main boundary thrust as well as the main frontal thrust. Any slippage between these has generated major earthquakes in the past” he said.
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