In a significant stride towards enhancing safety and understanding seismic activities Union Cabinet Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the Permanent Seismological Observatory in Bomdila.
This observatory, established at Government College, Bomdila, holds great significance for Arunachal Pradesh, a region situated in seismic zone V, known for its vulnerability to earthquakes.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Honchung Ngandam, Minister of Science & Technology, GOAP, Kumsi Sidasow, HMLA Thrizino, Dr. M Ravichandram, Secretary, Minister of Earth Sciences, GOI, Repo Ronia, Secretary, Science & Technology, GOAP, Shri Tana Tage, Director, Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies, GOAP, Smti Akriti Sagar, DC Bomdila, HODs, Officials of National Centre for Seismology-Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the Department of Science & Technology, along with students and the public of Bomdila township.
The observatory, established in collaboration with the National Centre for Seismology, Ministry of Earth Science, aims to comprehensively understand the region’s seismicity, unraveling both surface and subsurface seismic aspects.
During his interaction with the gathering, Rijiju emphasized the crucial role of the Department of Earth Sciences and highlighted the potential benefits of the observatory in earthquake detection, enabling advanced precautions to minimize casualties.
Rijiju also shared the government’s plans for further technological advancements in the region, including the establishment of a Doppler Radar System in West Kameng District. This system is envisioned to provide precise forecasts of rain, temperature, humidity, etc., aiding farmers in planning their cultivation based on accurate weather data.
“The future of the nation is in our hands,” Rijiju stated, emphasizing the importance of contributing to science and encouraging students to pursue careers in the field. He also called upon elected public representatives and government officials to actively participate in the PM’s vision for the nation’s development over the next 25 years, emphasizing that development is a collective effort.
In a move towards collaborative efforts, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Science, Government of India, to enhance services in the region.
As part of the technological advancements, the official website was launched by the Hon’ble Union Minister, offering real-time meteorological data from stations installed across Arunachal Pradesh. A collaborative effort with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the website provides data from 54 Automated Weather Stations (AWS), with a total of 80 operational in the state. These AWS play a crucial role in monitoring weather conditions and providing valuable information to various sectors.
The Union Minister also inaugurated an Open Gym at Shanti Deva Vidyalaya, Bomdila, and interacted with the students.
In his closing remarks, Rijiju urged all concerned stakeholders to participate in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, stressing the importance of spreading awareness about government schemes through an IEC van that should cover all parts of the district by 26th January .