On September 24, renowned earth scientist Prof. Harsh K. Gupta met with Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Public Outreach Office in Srinagar. The discussions centred around enhancing earthquake resilience and improving disaster preparedness across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting also included significant figures like Nasir Aslam Wani, an advisor to the Chief Minister, and Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, the Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST). Their insights emphasized the pressing need to safeguard the region against potential seismic threats.
During his presentation, Prof. Gupta highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir is situated within the vulnerable Himalayan earthquake belt. He underscored the urgent need for developing earthquake-resilient infrastructure to protect the region’s residents. Drawing upon successful earthquake forecasting in the northeastern Himalayan region, he advocated for similar initiatives in Kashmir.
Prof. Gupta proposed a series of proactive measures aimed at enhancing community disaster preparedness. These included establishing an “Earthquake Safety Day”, implementing training programs for school students, and developing scenarios around past earthquakes to improve response strategies. Additionally, he called for conducting mega-mock drills, adhering strictly to earthquake-safe construction practices, and installing Earthquake Early Warning Systems in the region.
The Chief Minister expressed his strong support for these recommendations, reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening earthquake-resilient infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged that Prof. Gupta’s insights would play a crucial role in shaping the strategy for disaster preparedness and public safety in the region.
As Jammu and Kashmir navigates its unique geological challenges, the collaboration between experts like Prof. Gupta and government officials signifies a proactive approach to disaster management. The government aims to implement these proposed measures, ultimately ensuring the safety and resilience of its communities in the face of natural disasters.
