The Govt. proposes
to introduce Seismology or earthquake Science as a subject in
engineering colleges and some technical institutions, in view
of lack of understanding of earthquakes and absence of techniques
for its prediction. This has become all the more important in
the back drop of Global warming and fast changing climatic conditions.
The IIT Roorkee
will prepare the syllabi for the course. Infact, Seismology
is one of the new subjects, other than Biotechnology, Information
Technology and Environment, which has been suggested for inclusion
in the curricula of technical education in the country, by the
All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE). The IIT Roorkee
which was until recently a Regional Engineering College has
been doing pioneering work in Seismology especially studying
and analysing earthquakes and their aftermath. It may be noted
that a number of parts of India are highly earthquake-prone
with many falling under high risk zones, including the Himalayan
belt.
Keeping the last
year’s massive earthquake at Bhuj in mind, the centre has also
decided to set up a state-of-the-art world standard National
Institute of Seismology in Gujarat. The project is estimated
to cost about Rs.140 crore and the plans are ready for implementation.
The existing seismological Institutions in the country do not
fulfill our requirements.
