Udhampur: The Union Minister of State in-charge of Science and Technology, earth sciences, MoS PMO, atomic energy and space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday inaugurated a Seismological Observatory at Udhampur, an initiative of the National Centre of Seismology, Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Singh said that Udhampur has emerged on the world seismological map with the installation of the latest upgraded Seismological Observatory by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
Secretary DST, Dr. M Ravichandran was also present during the inauguration.
“During the last eight years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has installed more than 70 such observatories across the country, compared to just 80 installed in over six decades before,” he said.
The minister said PM Narendra Modi has laid renewed emphasis on the scientific programmes by prioritising Science and technology based developments and allocating sufficient budgets to the science departments.
“During the last 7-8 years, departments that previously did not get their due importance are now being prioritised. One such department that has been brought to the forefront is the Department of Earth Sciences that used to work in anonymity earlier,” he said.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further said that India has a very long coastline of around 6000 km and is the only country which has an ocean named after it.
“It is a symbol and a legacy of our glorious past and a bright future towards which India is heading under PM Narendra Modi,” he added.
Dr. Singh further said that 100 more such seismological centres will be opened across the country in next five years for improving the real time data monitoring and data collection.
“India is moving closer to playing a critical role in seismological advancement and understanding,” the Minister added.
The Minister maintained that J&K is in the seismic zone especially South and North Kashmir where such Observatories have been established.
“Udhampur is the third place in J&K where such seismological observations will be recorded now,” he said.
