ITANAGAR, Nov 10: Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul, while underlining the significance of seismic microzonation project in the State as Arunachal Pradesh falls under Seismic Zone V, the country’s highest seismic hazard classification, and citing it will strengthen disaster preparedness and facilitate safer infrastructure planning, urged the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to issue the sanction order for the ‘already-approved’ project in the State.
The Minister urged this while inaugurating a geothermal-powered drying unit at Dirang in West Kameng district today, dotting a vital step towards harnessing renewable energy for agricultural development and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
The facility, funded by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences with gap funding from the State government, was inaugurated in presence of Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener, Dirang MLA and Advisor to the Minister, Phurpa Tsering, and scientists and experts from India, Norway and Iceland.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the initiative would help transform scientific research into practical solutions benefiting farmers and rural communities.
She said that the facility would utilize natural geothermal heat to dry and preserve locally produced agricultural and livestock products, including kiwi, apple, persimmon and yak meat.
The technology could minimize post-harvest losses, improve the market value of local produce, enhance farmers’ incomes and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, she said.
Dasanglu, who also chairs the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CES&HS), appreciated the technical cooperation extended by Norway and Iceland in developing the facility.
Highlighting the State’s vulnerability to earthquakes, the Minister said that the project was crucial as Arunachal Pradesh falls under Seismic Zone V, the country’s highest seismic hazard classification, adding it would strengthen disaster preparedness and facilitate safer infrastructure planning.
Dasanglu also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu for encouraging scientific innovation and sustainable development in the State.
Welcoming the Norwegian Ambassador on her maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the Minister expressed hope that the initiative would pave the way for greater international collaboration in renewable energy, scientific research and technology transfer.
She also congratulated CES&HS Director Tana Tage and his team, Oil India Limited (OIL) and international partners for their contributions to the project.
Emphasizing the importance of making scientific advancements accessible to common people, Dasanglu observed that the true success of science lay not merely in laboratory achievements but also in bringing positive changes to people’s lives.
She expressed hope that the Dirang initiative would serve as a model for similar sustainable development projects across the State.
The event was also attended by Ministry of Earth Sciences Scientist-G and advisor Dr Jagvir Singh, and OIL Director (Exploration and Development) Soloma Yomdo.