Dinesh Ganvir
“Only a major quake measuring 6 or above on the Richter scale is likely to cause significant damage,” said Ganvir, a Nagpur University alumnus who recently assumed charge as GSI chief. His reassurance comes against the backdrop of three earthquakes recorded in Nagpur and Yavatmal districts on Sunday and Monday.
Following amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act in 2020, the govt has accelerated exploration and auction of blocks containing critical minerals. Of the 100 blocks launched under the initiative, 72 have reportedly been taken forward so far, he said. Ganvir said GSI had conducted field investigations in the Umred region following tremors reported last year.
Speaking to the media at the GSI office here, Ganvir said the agency’s observatory transmits earthquake data to its head office in Kolkata, where it is processed and forwarded to the govt. The team spent nearly two months studying the geological conditions and submitted a report examining the possible causes of the seismic activity. Meanwhile, a GSI team has been conducting a separate microzonation study for nearly a month with the assistance of the state govt. The exercise will help identify localised seismic vulnerabilities and provide scientific inputs for disaster preparedness and infrastructure planning. The study is expected to be completed by January. Ganvir also highlighted GSI’s role in identifying critical and strategic mineral resources under the Centre’s revised mineral exploration framework.