Gujarat to have first seismology institute

The Centre will set up the first dedicated seismology institute of the country in Gujarat by the name and style of National Institute of Seismology, Union Minister for Science and Technology Murli Manohar Joshi said on Saturday. The institute, to be set up in Ahmedabad, would be devoted to carry out research in the field of earthquake. As of date, there is no dedicated institute for seismic studies in the country.

"We want to create a world-class institute with sophisticated instruments. In this effort, the government is holding discussions with countries like Russia and the US which already have such institutes," Dr. Joshi said in New Delhi. The plan is in the final stage and the work on the institute will start soon. The entire project will cost about Rs. 140 crores, he said.

The Science and Technology Minister held talks with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in this regard when the latter was in New Delhi on Saturday. Dr. Joshi said the Chief Minister wanted quick implementation of the project.

The state government has offered to give full assistance to set up the institute which would mostly be funded by the department of science and technology. Dr. Joshi said the government has also decided to introduce seismic studies as a compulsory subject in all civil and structural engineering courses in the country.

Roorkee University has already drafted the syllabus for the purpose. The project would cost Rs 15 crores, he said and added that Mr Modi also discussed with him the issue of delay in setting up of an engineering college in the state.

The Union minister said the need to set up the state-of-the-art institute was being felt for a long time now. He said seismic research was an important need for the country and works like seismic zoning was also to be carried out.

Dr. Joshi said there are a lot of areas in the country which do not have seismic data.

Republished from The Asian Age