On September 24, Prof. Harsh K. Gupta, Former Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Raabita Office in Jammu and Kashmir. This meeting aimed to discuss strategies to strengthen earthquake resilience and disaster preparedness in the region.
The meeting witnessed participation from notable figures, including Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, and Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST). Their collaborative discussion focused on the pressing risks that earthquakes pose to the area.
Prof. Gupta highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir lies within the seismically active Himalayan belt, making it critical to develop earthquake-resilient infrastructure. He referenced successful medium-term earthquake forecasting implemented in the northeast Himalayan states and advocated similar initiatives in Kashmir. He believes that scientific research can significantly aid in assessing earthquake risks and preparedness.
To enhance the region’s earthquake preparedness, Prof. Gupta recommended several measures. These include marking an “Earthquake Safety Day” and incorporating earthquake safety training programs in schools to educate students about potential disaster scenarios. Furthermore, he proposed conducting mega-mock drills to simulate earthquake situations and compliance checks on construction practices to align with earthquake-resilient standards.
In addition, Prof. Gupta stressed the necessity of deploying Earthquake Early Warning Systems throughout the Himalayan belt. Such technology can provide crucial alerts, allowing citizens time to respond appropriately during an earthquake event.
Chief Minister Abdullah expressed gratitude for Prof. Gupta’s insights, affirming the government’s commitment to enhance earthquake resilience in Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated that the recommendations would be woven into the state’s comprehensive disaster preparedness framework, ensuring public safety remains a top priority.
The dialogue between Prof. Gupta and CM Abdullah marks a significant step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by the region. With a mix of local knowledge and scientific expertise, stakeholder engagement could lead to substantial improvements in disaster readiness, potentially saving lives during seismic events.
