Seismological observatory to be set up near LoC

JAMMU: In the aftermath of large-scale death and destruction in the 2005 earthquake, Jammu and Kashmir will soon have a new seismological observatory in Kupwara district.

"A seismological observatory is under construction near the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar border belt of Kupwara district, which saw death and destruction during the October 8, 2005 earthquake," a state government official said.

Tangdhar borders Neelam Valley of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which houses the Muzaffarabad-epicentre of the 2005 earthquake.

Construction is in full swing and is expected to complete in the next three months, the official said, adding, the observatory will be based on the most modern seismological gadgets armed with Geographical Information System (GIS).

The state government has also proposed two more observatories - one at Rajouri district of Jammu and another at Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley.

Jammu and Kashmir already has three observatories, one each in Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir regions, to provide data and information regarding seismological activities and the threats caused by them.