Uttarakhand's Earthquake Warning System Grapples with Power Supply Challenges
In a significant disclosure to the Uttarakhand state assembly on Wednesday, it was revealed that as many as 41 out of the 169 sensors installed under the Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS) cease to transmit signals when power supply is disrupted. This information was provided by state parliamentary affairs minister Subodh Uniyal in response to a question posed by Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin.
Operational Hurdles in Remote Areas
Minister Uniyal explained that while the sensors are generally operational, interruptions occur primarily because several units are situated in remote locations with unstable electricity infrastructure. "Currently, all sensors are operational, but due to the critical topography of Uttarakhand and the installation of several sensors in remote locations, signals from 41 sensors stop being received when power is disrupted," he stated. He emphasized that these sensors are not permanently non-functional but temporarily halt data transmission during such power outages.
Uniyal further noted that the number of inactive sensors fluctuates daily. "On Thursday morning, 128 sensors were working. The number keeps changing each day," he said, adding that technical teams from IIT Roorkee are continuously engaged in efforts to restore disrupted signals. The installation of the 169 sensors across the state, aimed at detecting early seismic activity, incurred a cost of approximately Rs 115 crore.
Expansion Plans Under National Programme
Under the National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Programme (NERMP), Uttarakhand has ambitious plans to significantly expand the earthquake early warning system. Uniyal announced that the number of sensors is proposed to be increased to 500, with installations prioritized in major seismic fault zones. "These sensors will be installed on a priority basis in important thrust zones such as the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT), Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), and Main Central Thrust (MCT)," he detailed.
Sensitive areas, including the Uttarakhand-Nepal border and the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border, have also been identified for potential sensor placements. The exact locations for the new sensors will be finalized following geological surveys, once the expansion project receives official approval.
Political Criticism and Government Response
Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin criticized the government for not taking the issue seriously enough, highlighting Uttarakhand's status as a high seismic zone. "It is surprising that the government says 41 sensors stop functioning due to power disruption," he remarked. Nizamuddin also inquired whether the government planned to explore alternative energy sources for the sensors and if proper mapping of installation sites had been conducted.
In response, Minister Uniyal assured the assembly that mapping of all identified locations had already been completed. He reiterated that the disruptions are temporary and largely linked to power supply challenges in remote, difficult terrains. The government remains committed to enhancing the system's reliability and coverage to better protect residents from seismic threats.
