A Parliamentary panel today emphasised on taking purposive measures for 'microzonation' of metro cities falling in high seismic zone without "delay" so as to mitigate the consequences of potential earthquake.
Taking note of the "importance of microzonation of cities on account of vulnerability of India's land to severe earthquakes", it recommended the government to take "purposive measures" in this regard in consultation with the state governments and stakeholders.
Microzonation provides the basis for site-specific risk analysis, which can assist in the mitigation of earthquake damage.
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"Microzonation of cities particularly those falling in seismic zone V,IV and III should be taken up expeditiously and necessary geophysical, geological and other information should be acquired from Geological Survey of India so that delay in microzonation of cities is avoided," the Standing Committee on Science and Technology said.
It also emphasised giving "high priority" in allocation of funds to a programme that seeks to carry out study on earthquakes and disaster mitigation.
Taking note of the fact that as against an additional requirement of Rs 48 crore only four crore are available, the standing committee recommended that "allocation of funds should be a high priority.
"Research on earthquake will serve the two purposes of monitoring critical parameters in the near field of earthquakes and providing India a unique opportunity to take a global leadership role in this important scientific issue," it said.
The committee was referring to the Seismological and Geoscience programme which aims to undertake research relating to solid-earth and geoscience including study of earthquakes and generate inputs for earthquake disaster mitigation.
