Study centre sought to research seismic activity

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, OCT. 10. The Department of Applied Geology, Madras University has stressed the need for a dedicated study centre to research seismic activity in the Chennai region.

This was expressed by many speakers at a one-day awareness course on natural hazards and environment organised at the School of Chemical Sciences Auditorium in Madras University, Guindy campus on Wednesday.

Prof. P. Periakali, head of the department of applied geology, said it is important to study seismic activity in the region more closely and systematically, in the wake of the tremor measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale that rocked Chennai region on September 25.

The department has already mooted a Centre for Earthquake and Natural Hazards Studies in Madras University, which finds place in the university's tenth plan proposal 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 small seismic activities would help, the professors of the department said.

Some participants lamented the Government's indifference over natural disasters, as it did not consult them after the September 25 tremors. ``Geo- chemical aspects are important for analysing the seismicity of a region. The Government seems to be talking to engineers and not scientists,'' Prof. Periakali said.

Experts who spoke at the programme included Mr. S. K. Subramanian, director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre, Regional Meteorological Centre and Mrs. P. Rajeswari, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Tamil Nadu.

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Section  : Southern States
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