Scientists said the earthquake might have devastating effects. (File photo)
Scientists have predicted the likelihood of a major earthquake to hit Uttarakhand adding that the development might have a devastating effect. A two-day national workshop on disaster resilient infrastructure in the Himalayas concluded in Dehradun today with scientists highlighting the high probability of a quake in the region.
The last major tremor occurred in the state at least 600 years ago.
Scientists participating in the event were unanimous in their view on the soon to occur earthquake and asked the state government to work towards building tremor-resilient infrastructure.
In his keynote address, Vinod K Gaur, a professor at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru, emphasised on the need to create awareness so that quake resistant building techniques are adopted by the people at the grassroot level.
Handbooks can be published for general category houses and made available to all the people, he said.
Noting that Utttarakhand was in the Central Seismic Gap, where exists a high probability of a major earthquake, they said it was imperative for disaster mitigation agencies and the state government to take proactive steps for the amelioration of any impending disaster.
The objective of the workshop was to provide a platform to the scientists, research community officials of various departments and professionals to share information, knowledge and suggestions on the subject of disaster resilient construction.
Professor M L Sharma from IIT-Roorkee informed about the status of the current earthquake early warning system that was deployed in Uttarakhand and also underlined the need for expansion of this network.
Scientists also spoke about the extra care that needs to be taken for the design of structures in hill slopes and the implications of wrong design or construction practices. They also stressed on requirement of specific construction guidelines for hilly regions.
In the concluding session, it was decided that the state would work to the best of its ability to ensure disaster resilience with special emphasis on earthquake resilience.
Scientific and academic institutes would collaborate and assist the state government in this effort.