Interview: Dr. Anand Kumar Pandey, Senior Principal Scientist, National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI)
“Transient landscape modeling and characterization used to identify the landslide-prone zones in the Himalayas is another emerging domain using Geospatial technology,” notes Dr. Pandey in his interview for AGI’s Oct-Dec 2023 Newsletter on Disaster Management.
NGRI plays a crucial role in understanding Earth’s processes to enhance preparedness and resilience to natural hazards. Could you elaborate on specific research initiatives or methodologies NGRI employs for disaster management?
NGRI has state-of-the-art deployment seismometers in different parts of India. The deployments aim to understand the earth’s structure, lateral variation, and seismogenesis. The seismically active Himalayan region is specifically monitored in mission mode along Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir to map seismogenic Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) and its lateral variation using multiparametric geophysical surveys to understand seismogenesis processes. Transient landscape modeling and characterization used to identify the landslide-prone zones in the Himalayas is another emerging domain using geospatial technology, which NGRI contributes significantly.
As a principal research institute focusing on Earthquake Hazards, can you share insights into NGRI’s contributions to predicting and mitigating the impact of earthquakes? How has this research translated into practical applications for disaster response and recovery?
The seismic (and other integrated geophysical) studies are planned as earthquake precursory studies to understand the response of shallow subsurface during an earthquake. It is an ongoing program developing a baseline and time series for identifying and characterizing potential zones of earthquake localizations.
A new initiative on monitoring large landslides and associated mass wasting is being initiated in pilot mode to develop a methodology for an early warning system for flash floods. A pilot study was conducted as the site-specific seismic hazard and risk assessment of Dehradun city, incorporating a quick visual survey of building typology and deriving response spectra for different areas of Dehradun city. The recommendations are accepted by Uttarakhand Govt and incorporated in New Building bylaws (2023).
A similar study was carried out for Lucknow and part of Varanasi city, and the report was submitted to the stakeholders. The vulnerable areas susceptible to different degrees of liquefaction are mapped.
Natural Resources is a key theme at NGRI, including the identification of primary geo-resources. How does NGRI’s research in this area contribute to disaster resilience, particularly in scenarios where natural resources might be affected or disrupted due to disasters?
This is very important domain. NGRI is mostly carrying out studies on identifying and characterizing primary geo-resources; however, the implications and disruption during natural disasters is a scenario study where we are yet to make an attempt.
NGRI’s multidisciplinary approach involves geophysical, geochemical, and geological techniques. How do these varied disciplines collaborate to provide a comprehensive understanding of potential natural hazards and their implications for disaster management?
Integrating multiparametric geophysical and geological studies is essential to understanding any natural disaster. The efforts during Joshimath have been a recent success story.
NGRI has been contributing towards this goal such as 1991-Uttarkash, 1999 Chamoli, 2001-Bhuj and 2015- Nepal earthquake, 2020-21 Palgarh seismicity swarm and reservoir-induced seismicity in the Koyana-Warna dam-reservoir region, and many other large dam project are some notable examples in this regards.
Differential SAR interferometry technique is widely used in disaster management studies. What role do such innovative technologies play in disaster mapping and damage assessment?
I would like to list some recent studies NGRI carried out, and they are public domain to elaborate an understanding of this aspect, such as:
- Monitoring active slopes for ground deformation in the Himalayas, such as Joshimath.
- Monitoring ground subsidence of overexploitation and aquifer health >(14 sites across IG plain)
- Pilot project for recurrent volcanogenic earthquake rupture in EAR and co-seismic deformation during the 2021 Assam earthquake.
NGRI emphasizes a vision to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters. Can you share specific instances where NGRI’s research has directly influenced policy or practical measures for disaster risk reduction at the regional or national level?
I have some updates to share regarding recent initiatives that promote more meaningful interaction. The Seismic Hazard zonation of Dehradun has been adopted in the new building bylaws. The same has been proposed for Lucknow, but it is yet to be considered for the city’s building code. The Jabalpur city micro Hazard zonation was a multi-institutional effort. The Central Ganga basin is being monitored for an earthquake response study, which is an ongoing multi-country effort in which NGRI plays a significant role. Lastly, there is a pilot program in development for the Early warning system of GLOF-LLOF and other flash floods in the Himalayas.
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