SRINAGAR: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday inaugurated the country’s 183rd seismological observatory in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, strengthening earthquake monitoring in the seismically sensitive Himalayan region.
The facility is the fourth seismological observatory in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. It will provide round-the-clock monitoring of seismic activity in Kishtwar and neighbouring areas, which are vulnerable to earthquakes.
The inauguration was attended by Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma and Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar.
Singh said the observatory would strengthen India’s earthquake monitoring capabilities through 24-hour seismic surveillance, improving the collection of scientific data and preparedness for natural disasters.
Officials said Kishtwar lies along a fault line, making the establishment of the observatory particularly important. The facility is expected to provide accurate seismic data to support earthquake monitoring and related preventive measures.
Singh had earlier inaugurated the country’s 153rd seismological observatory in Udhampur on June 21, 2022. Since then, 30 additional observatories have been established across the country over the past four years, officials said.
They described the Kishtwar facility as an important addition to the national seismological network, aimed at improving scientific monitoring and strengthening disaster preparedness in the region.
