On September 24, renowned earth scientist Prof. Harsh K. Gupta visited Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss earthquake resilience and disaster preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting took place at the Public Outreach Office, where they addressed strategies to enhance the region’s safety against seismic events.
The interaction saw the participation of CM’s advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST).
Prof. Gupta, a former member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and ex-secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, emphasized the urgent necessity for building earthquake-resilient infrastructure in Kashmir. He pointed out that the region is situated within the vulnerable Himalayan earthquake belt.
The esteemed professor referenced a successful medium-term earthquake forecasting initiative in the northeast Himalayan region, urging officials in Jammu and Kashmir to establish similar studies. He presented several suggestions aimed at increasing public awareness and safety.
Among his recommendations, Gupta proposed the introduction of an “Earthquake Safety Day” to foster readiness among residents, especially students. He urged schools to incorporate earthquake safety training into their curricula, allowing young people to understand and act during seismic crises.
He also highlighted the importance of simulating past major earthquakes, conducting comprehensive preparedness exercises, and enforcing earthquake-safe construction practices rigorously. Furthermore, he advocated for installing Earthquake Early Warning Systems along the Himalayan belt to give timely alerts during seismic events.
CM Omar Abdullah lauded Gupta’s insights. He assured attendees that the governments in Jammu and Kashmir prioritize earthquake resilience and public safety. Abdullah confirmed that the suggestions presented would be taken into account in the state’s broader disaster preparedness strategy.
This dialogue marks an essential step forward in bolstering the region’s defenses against potentially devastating earthquakes. As natural disasters increasingly threaten vulnerable areas, collaborative efforts between scientists and officials serve as a beacon of hope for residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
