On September 24, 2023, Prof. Harsh K. Gupta, a renowned earth scientist and former member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss vital strategies for improving earthquake resilience and disaster preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir.
This significant meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s Public Outreach Office, attended by key figures such as Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, and Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST).
During the meeting, Prof. Gupta presented data highlighting Kashmir’s placement within the vulnerable Himalayan earthquake belt. He urged the state to develop earthquake-resilient infrastructure to minimize the impact of potential seismic activities.
Providing insights from successful earthquake forecasts in the northeastern region of India, Prof. Gupta emphasized the need for comparable assessments in Kashmir. He outlined several critical recommendations for enhancing the state’s preparedness.
One of his primary suggestions includes the establishment of an “Earthquake Safety Day,” which would serve as a platform for raising awareness and education about seismic safety. Prof. Gupta also proposed training sessions in schools to teach students about safety measures during earthquakes.
Moreover, he advocated for conducting mega-mock drills and creating scenarios based on past earthquakes to refine disaster response strategies. These drills would ensure that both individuals and communities are well-prepared for future seismic events.
In his address, Prof. Gupta strongly urged compliance with earthquake-safe construction practices. He stressed that enforcing these practices can significantly enhance the region’s infrastructure to withstand earthquakes.
Additionally, he called for the installation of Earthquake Early Warning Systems along the Himalayan belt. Such systems could provide critical time for residents and authorities to take necessary precautions before tremors strike.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lauded Prof. Gupta’s valuable insights and acknowledged the urgency of implementing these measures. He affirmed that the suggestions would be considered in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s broader strategy aimed at disaster preparedness and public safety.
The Chief Minister’s proactive approach reflects a growing recognition of the need for resilience in the face of natural calamities, particularly in a region prone to such challenges. As Jammu and Kashmir seeks to fortify its infrastructure against the threat of earthquakes, collaboration between experts and government officials remains paramount.
As authorities in Jammu and Kashmir ramp up their disaster preparedness initiatives, the meeting marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and security of residents in a region vulnerable to seismic activities.
