dehradun

Updated: May 16, 2018 22:29 IST

Concerned over 52 tremors reported in Uttarakhand since 2015, governor KK Paul has suggested the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) to conduct a study to understand the implications of the small periodic earthquakes.

Speaking at the three-day national conference on Earth System Science with special reference to ‘Himalaya: Advancement and Challenges’ beginning Friday in Dehradun, he recalled the massive earthquake in Nepal in 2015, following which the hill state has reported regular tremors.

“52 tremors reported since 2015 may not have visible impact, but we don’t know whether it has impacted the mountains or hills,” Paul said. Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh have been the most-affected districts, he said, adding that the impact analysis is necessary to understand the problem in depth.

The governor also asked geologists to conduct another study to find out whether the state has more spots of mineral resources. “Pithorgarh is a resource spot, which has minerals like copper, silver and even gold. But the government cannot excavate it because of strict conditions imposed. In fact, a company based at Vancouver, Canada had also come to study the spot,” he said. He said the gazetteer of India has mention of a similar resource pool in Joshimath, which experts can study and try finding out more such resources.

Talking about global warming, he said that carbon particles that emerge from forest fires sit on glaciers exchanging heat, thus resulting in melting of the glaciers. He pressed on the need to protect Ganga river, the lifeline of Uttarakhand, and asked to utilise water wisely. He also discussed the receding water level in Naini Lake and suggested a study to rejuvenate the water sources surrounding it.

Speaking on the side lines of the event, Rajendra Singh, known as the Waterman, criticised Pancheshwar and other dams. He said the dams are being constructed against the flow causing natural disturbance. He also criticised the Kedarnath reconstruction work. “The redevelopment works (at Kedarnath) are unscientific. The valley is vulnerable and the government is pushing pilgrims there. The situation could be disastrous, as no one is paying heed to tremendous pressure faced by the terrain due to movement of vehicles and people,” he said.

More than 150 research papers will be presented during the conference, which has experts from various parts of the country. The event will conclude on Friday.