Micro-structural mapping suggested for NE states

Agartala, Aug 19 (UNI) Amid an alarm of seismologists on natural disaster in Northeastern part of India, the Centre has initiated a proposal to go with micro-structural mapping of the states in the region.

Official sources here today said the Centre had asked the NE states to use Geographical Information System (GIS) in a bigger way to study the soil patterns and prepare separate maps for each state, pointing out the permissible construction activities.

Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) had also given assurance to extend all support for implementing GIS and space technology for geo-physical study in the region, officials said, adding that as part of the project, Tripura Space Application Centre had procured Ground Penetration Rader(GPR) to facilitate the urban development activities in the State.

''Initially, the GPR would be used for identifying the locations of telephone cables, electricity cables and water pipe lines. A comprehensive map of it will be published then, for the implementing agencies, so that the development works can be carried out without affecting other services,'' said a senior official of Tripura Science and Technology department.

Sources stated, with the initiative of earth scientists of the region, the Centre had made a dry run in 2005 in Aizawl with the scientists from all over the country, which discussed the earth's crust of the region.

There was also a proposal of study across the region using magnetostratigraphy and palaeomagnetism to enhance understanding of the part as there is no geological data available about the Northeast with the authority.

The experts made an elaborate discussion while taking decision that the study of the earth's strata would be made by using magnets and the study of rocks to identify the polarisation of the earth through aeon.

Following Tsunami the seismologists had raised the issue, as the region was laid on fifth earthquake risk zone, intensity estimated more than eight on Richter scale.

The issue gained momentum with the initial physiographical assessment that most of the area in the region formed in first order topography and sedimentary rocks.

UNI