In seismically vulnerable Uttarakhand, serious steps will be taken to mitigate human and economic losses caused by earthquakes. In this regard, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) will sign comprehensive Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with various scientific institutions. Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan issued these directives during a meeting held at the Secretariat on Friday regarding earthquake risk assessment and mitigation in Uttarakhand. He stated that once the MOUs are signed, the respective institutions will be assigned responsibilities for various activities. The Chief Secretary said that a large part of Uttarakhand falls under Zone 5 in terms of seismic vulnerability. Therefore, special focus should be given to earthquake risk assessment and mitigation, and creating a formal, safety-oriented environment to reduce human and economic losses from earthquakes. He added that the MOUs with various institutions will prove to be crucial in this regard. He mentioned that the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology is already working on glacial lakes in the state, and IIT Roorkee can work on earthquake risk assessment and mitigation. He also emphasized that certain standards should be established for building construction, considering seismic vulnerability. He further stressed the need to sign an MOU with the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) Roorkee regarding earthquake-resistant buildings.
Emphasis on celebrating Earthquake Awareness Day
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need to raise public awareness about earthquakes. He suggested that an Earthquake Awareness Day be celebrated regularly, including a mock earthquake drill. The meeting was attended by Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, Additional Secretary Anand Swaroop, and scientists from IIT Roorkee, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, and CBRI Roorkee.
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