Modi targets Congress on setting up seismological institute

GANDHINAGAR: With the tenth anniversary of the devastating earthquake of Kutch approaching, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today targeted Congress-led UPA government for not supporting the setting up of institute for seismological research in the state.

"After the January 26, 2001 earthquake, I had requested the Vajpayee government to form a seismological research institute in Gujarat. The Centre had agreed and made an announcement to establish the institute at a cost of Rs 200 crore," Modi said.

"(But) The government changed and new government (UPA) decided to shelve the project. I told them if not in Gujarat, they should establish such an institute in any other Congress- ruled states," Modi said.

"I was pained as they did not consider that suggestion. Thousands of people lost their lives in the worst ever earthquake, but it seems that they do not have any value for it," Modi said.

Later, Modi set up the institute in the state without the assistance of the Centre.

"After the centre's refusal, I was in dilemma to start such an institute by the state government. My inner voice said that I should do it," Modi said.

Modi was speaking at an opening ceremony of international symposium organised by Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) here established in 2004.

Modi said that the research carried out here will help not only Gujarat but the country and the world.