Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed Earth Scientist Prof. Harsh K. Gupta on September 24, 2023, to discuss enhancing earthquake resilience and disaster preparedness in the region. The meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s Public Outreach (Raabita) Office and included 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 former Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences in India, emphasized the pressing need for the region to develop earthquake-resilient infrastructure. Jammu and Kashmir’s location within the Himalayan earthquake belt puts it at a heightened risk of seismic activity.
“We must learn from the successful medium-term earthquake forecasts implemented in the northeastern Himalayan region,” said Prof. Gupta during his presentation. He advocated for similar studies in Kashmir to enhance preparedness. His presentation highlighted strategies that focus on community involvement and government action.
Among the key recommendations made by Prof. Gupta were initiatives such as declaring an “Earthquake Safety Day” and conducting extensive training for school students on earthquake safety protocols. He recommended creating realistic scenarios based on past major earthquakes to assess and improve preparedness.
Additionally, Prof. Gupta proposed organizing mega-mock drills that would simulate earthquake responses and environments, ensuring that the community is well-prepared to face seismic activities. He urged for compliance with earthquake-safe construction practices and the installation of Earthquake Early Warning Systems across the Himalayan belt.
The Chief Minister, while appreciating Prof. Gupta’s comprehensive insights, affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and public safety. He remarked, “We will consider these suggestions as we shape J&K’s broader strategy focused on resilience against natural disasters.”
Omar Abdullah’s administration has made strides in addressing disaster preparedness, but the meeting highlighted the critical urgency for continued development, especially regarding the potential for earthquakes in a seismically active area like Jammu and Kashmir.
As the region progresses on its disaster management journey, collaboration with experts like Prof. Gupta will play a vital role in safeguarding lives and property in the event of an earthquake.
