22 seismological centres with 40 accelorographs to be set up in Guj

Gandhinagar, Mar 21 (UNI) A network of 22 seismological centres, along with 40 accelerographs, will be set up in Gujarat to study the phenomena of earthquakes, tectonic plates movements, droughts, cyclones, floods, storms and to provide seismic information prior to a quake, Revenue Minister Kaushik Patel said today.

This is the first time a state will be taking such an initiative in the country, the Minister told the Assembly.

''The centres can give adequate information about epicentres, tectonic plate movements, climate changes and help the government in taking preventive measures,'' he said. The accelerographs will record ground motion during an earthquake, he added.

At present, there are two seismological centres in the State -- one at Bhuj, a Central government-run organisation, and the other (of the State government) at Kewadia Colony in Narmada district.

UNI MMG MAZ RL KP2258