Geologists seek study centre to research seismic activity

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, OCT. 9. Geologists and experts with the Department of Applied Geology, Madras University today stressed the need for a dedicated study centre to research seismic activity in Chennai region.

The department has planned an awareness programme on natural hazards and environment at the School of Chemical Sciences Auditorium in the University campus, Guindy tomorrow. The programme has been organised to allay fears about quakes in the wake of the September 25 tremors experienced in parts of north Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry. Disaster management during crises would also figure.

Addressing presspersons today, the Head of the Department of Applied Geology, Mr. P. Periakali, said it had become important to study seismic activity in the region more closely and systematically.

The department has already mooted a Centre for Earthquake and Natural Hazards Studies in the University. Departments of applied geology and geology would work in tandem to carry out advanced research in areas of natural disasters and their management in this centre, he added.

Meanwhile, sources at the University confirmed that this centre would figure in the varsity's tenth plan document to the University Grants Commission.

With the possible re-classification of Chennai and surrounding areas from Zone-II to Zone-III on the seismicity map, sustained studies of even micro seismic activities would help, the department professors said.

Also, seismic classification takes into account the historical data of any region. A single data bank and research centre would help vastly.

The professors lamented the indifferent attitude of the State Government for not consulting them on quake management after the September 25 tremors, that had its epi-centre about 50 kms from Pondicherry in the sea. ``Geo-chemical aspects of the region plays an important role in understanding the seismicity of a region. The Government seems to be talking just with engineers and not scientists,'' Mr.Periakali added.

Experts scheduled to speak at the programme include Mr. S. K. Subramanian, Director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Regional Meteorological Centre and Mrs. P. Rajeswari, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Tamil Nadu Forest Development.

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