Ahmedabad:  Certain areas in Kutch may witness earthquakes in the near future, says Oyo Corporation, a Japanese firm specialising in geological investigations. Oyo Corporation and the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) are working on a project to assess the seismic movements in Zone-5 region of the State, which has been declared to be earthquake prone. This zone includes areas like Gandhidham, Anjar and Bhuj in Kutch district. The organization started its research in November last year and has already submitted some of its findings to GSDMA, which includes variation in the soil structure in Zone-5. 

  
The findings were submitted after samples of soil were taken and analysed. The variations in the soil was found in a Microzonation exercise wherein certain areas were taken into consideration within the Zone-5 region itself.” Rajesh Kishore, CEO of GSDMA says, “The project aims to get a better understanding of seismic movements in the region. The group of researchers include many experts in the field of geo-physics. These variations mean that there are a number of areas with seismic movement that may cause earthquakes in Zone-5. However, people need not panic as the complete findings are yet to be submitted.”

The team from Oyo will submit its complete findings to the GSDMA in October this year. Based on the findings the GSDMA will plan the course of action to be taken. Kishore says, “Once we get the complete information we may take the research to other parts of the State which are vulnerable to earthquakes.” He says, “Experts from Oyo will have to present their reports before the technical committee of GSDMA. Experts from the government will also be consulted when the findings are presented.” He also said that people residing in Kutch do not have to be afraid if they have built houses abiding by the National Building Code 2005. We try to gear up our machinery to counter earthquakes every year, the research is of such effort.”

Oyo shares a year-long contract with GSDMA for research. The joint project costs Rs 5.5 crores and is completely funded by GSDMA.

Courtesy : Ahmedabad Newsline - Ahmedabad,India