GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 224
TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.11.2005

MEASURES FOR TACKLING EARTHQUAKE AND OTHER
NATURAL DISASTERS

224. SHRI S. ANBALAGAN:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government propose to undertake preparedness measures for earthquake and other natural disaster on the lines of Tokyo and Los Angels;
(b) if so, the details thereof including cities/ areas proposed to be covered under this scheme and the costs involved thereon; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) & (b): The Department of Science & Technology (DST) initiated a number of projects to undertake preparedness measures for earthquake and other natural disasters like cyclones by strengthening the observation network with latest state-of-the-art technology. Action has been initiated to link the seismological stations being maintained and operated by India Meteorological Department (IMD) through VSATs in order to reduce the time required for estimation of earthquake parameters and dissemination of information amongst the designated agencies. A good network of meteorological observatories is operated by IMD covering the entire coastline and islands. A proposal to set up early warning system for tsunamis and storm surges has also recently been approved by Government at a total cost of Rs.125 crores. Also, an Earthquake Risk Evaluation Center has been set up with a view to provide inputs for planning and preparedness for earthquake related disaster following the models evolved in context of Indian conditions. In order to microzone the selected urban centres and assess the seismic hazard an exercise was taken up for Jabalpur region as a first step. Based on the experience gained, such exercises have also been initiated for a few selected urban centres, namely, Delhi, Guwahati and Bangalore. In general, cost involved to carry out such studies for a city may vary between Rs.6 crores to Rs.15 crores depending upon the area under consideration.

(c) Question does not arise.