Itanagar, Jun 25: In a significant step towards strengthening disaster preparedness and scientific infrastructure planning in Arunachal Pradesh, the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jote and the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to undertake seismic hazard microzonation studies across the state.
The collaboration aims to assess seismic hazards using advanced geophysical methods and geotechnical investigations, considering Arunachal Pradesh's location in one of the most seismically active regions of the Himalayan belt.
The MoA signing ceremony was signed in the presence of Secretary, Science & Technology, Wayong Khimhun, by NIT Director Prof Mohan V Aware and CES&HS Director Tana Tage.
Senior officials of both institutions, including Dean (Research & Consultancy) Dr Utpal Kumar Saha, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering Dr Mainak Mallik, and Assistant Professor Dr Jumrik Taipodia, were present on the occasion.
During discussions post MoA signing, both institutions identified several common areas of research, including hazard assessment, infrastructure planning, site-specific civil engineering consultancy and geoscientific investigations.
The two institutions also agreed to explore future joint initiatives aimed at supporting the development and expansion of critical infrastructure such as highways, tunnels, railway networks, bridges and communication corridors in the challenging Himalayan terrain through extensive research and scientific studies.
The partnership reflects the shared commitment of NIT Jote and CES&HS towards promoting a safer, more resilient and disaster-prepared Arunachal Pradesh. It is expected to contribute significantly to informed infrastructure development and risk mitigation strategies amid rapid expansion of developmental projects in the geologically sensitive region.