GUWAHATI: In the serene backdrop of Arunachal Pradesh, Oil India Limited (OIL), National Centre for Seismology (NCS) under the aegis of Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CES & HS) under Arunachal Pradesh government signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) on February 25 at Itanagar to pursue applied earth science related studies in India with a focus on Arunachal Pradesh and the northeastern region.
The signing ceremony was graced by the Union minister for earth sciences (MoES), Kiren Rijiju, senior officials of the Arunachal Pradesh government and C&MD of Oil India Ltd among other esteemed dignitaries and senior officials from MoES, GoAP and OIL.
The MoU puts in place a formal framework for fostering collaboration in the field of applied seismo-geophysical & geological research, in the field of exploration & exploitation of Geothermal Energy and other aspects of earth sciences studies for driving innovation and excellence.
“This was a historic day for Arunachal Pradesh,” Union minister Kiren Rijiu said after signing of the agreement.
“Historic Day for Arunachal Pradesh with the inauguration of Permanent Seismological Observatory Daporijo and Heliport-Aviation Weather Observing Systems for the northeastern region. Foundation stone laid for 2 Doppler Weather Radars for Arunachal Pradesh. An MoU signing ceremony also took place between NCS, Oil India Ltd and CES&HD, Department of Science & Technology, signifying India’s commitment to advancing its scientific infrastructure,” Rijiju wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
This partnership heralds a promising future for applied earth science studies in the country, particularly in its northeastern frontier.
“The collaboration between OIL, NCS, CES and HS is poised to unlock new possibilities in geothermal energy exploration and seismic research, thereby contributing significantly to the region’s and the nation’s development. By fostering innovation and leveraging the unique geological landscape of Arunachal Pradesh, this initiative stands as a beacon of progress in the realm of earth sciences,” said an official of OIL.
“As this tripartite agreement unfolds, it will be interesting to observe the advancements and discoveries that emerge from this collaboration. The commitment of OIL, NCS, CES and HS to advancing applied earth science studies in the Northeast region, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, is not only a step forward for scientific research but also a leap toward sustainable development and environmental understanding,” the official added.
Arunachal region highly prone to seismic trigger, says NGRI study. A study by NGRI reveals that even tiny stresses can cause seismic triggering in Arunachal Pradesh. The researchers have identified triggered seismicity in the form of microearthquakes and non-volcanic tremors during remote mainshocks.