Seismic hazard training ends at MU with focus on NE vulnerability
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 16 2026: A five-day training programme on "Seismic Hazard", jointly organised by the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), Hyderabad and the Department of Earth Sciences, Manipur University under the CSIR-Integrated Skill Initiative, Ministry of Science and Technology, concluded at Manipur University, Canchipur on Friday.

Held from October 12 to 16, the programme brought together 39 participants from Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya representing institutions including Manipur University, Osmania University, Centre of Earth Science and Himalayan Studies, Delhi University, NIT Manipur and Bangalore University.

Notably, female participants constituted more than 50 percent of total enrolment.

The programme was inaugurated on October 12 by MU Vice-Chancellor Prof RK Hemakumar Singh, who stressed the need for skill development initiatives in the earthquake vulnerable Northeast and called for such training on a larger scale.

Dr Abhey Ram Bansal, Scientist G, CSIR-NGRI and nodal person, outlined objectives of the Integrated Skill Initiative, while Dr Vinay Kumar, Scientist G, CSIR-HRDC gave an overview of CSIR training programmes.

Training Coordinator Dr Avinash Kumar Chauhan, Assistant Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, MU said the course was designed to equip PG and PhD scholars with better understanding of present seismic conditions and future hazards in Northeast India.

The valedictory ceremony was attended by Dr Tourangbam Brajkumar Singh, Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Manipur as chief guest.

He emphasised the importance of specialised scientific training considering the high seismic vulnerability of Manipur and need for systematic studies to strengthen disaster preparedness.

As part of the programme, visiting scientists visited MU Seismic Observatory and examined installed instruments, besides a tree plantation programme.

Head of the Department of Earth Sciences Prof Y Raghumani Singh welcomed dignitaries and highlighted the department's contribution.

Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Avinash Kumar Chauhan.

Faculty members and student volunteers were present.

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