Gandhinagar: The department of science and technology is working on development of early earthquake warning system, the Gujarat assembly was informed on Thursday.
"Currently we can learn about earthquake only after it has taken place. But now the department is conducting research to develop a system whereby earthquake can be predicted," Gujarat Minister for Science and Technology, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama told the Legislative Assembly.
However, Director General of Institute of Seismological Research (ISR), B K Rastogi said, the system would warn surrounding areas immediately after the quake, rather than predicting it.
"No one can predict an earthquake. But we can alert the surrounding areas of epicentre before the tremors reach there, as tremors bring low intensity earthquake as they advance. We are planning to implement a system where alert can be given at least 30 seconds before the tremors hit that area," said Rastogi while talking to reporters.
As ISR falls under the department of science and technology, Rastogi was present during minister's speech.
"Thirty seconds are also crucial in saving lives and property, especially when several important projects are coming up in the state such as nuclear power plant in Bhavnagar and a bullet train," he said.
"We are also doing a survey of hidden faultlines in Kutch region, which already has four major faultlines. No study has been done yet about other faultlines several kilometres beneath the ground. To understand the earthquake pattern, we are doing a survey of the region," Rastogi said.
ISR is also exploring the possibility of tapping geo- thermal energy for electricity, he said.
"We are conducting a geo-physical survey in various parts of Gujarat to find a place where the government can set up a plant to generate electricity using geo-thermal energy," he said.
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