PARADIP: A recent study by IIT Kharagpur highlights the rising seismic risk in the Bay of Bengal that could affect Paradip, Jagatsinghpur and other coastal areas of the state.
According to the study, the Bay of Bengal could be evolving into a potential source of moderate-to-strong earthquakes due to shifting tectonic plates, huge sediment deposits and the reactivation of ancient fractures beneath the ocean floor. The researchers have warned that ancient fractures beneath the Bay of Bengal could reactivate when accumulated stress is released, posing a threat to millions of people living along the coast.
The study called for better disaster preparedness, stronger infrastructure and a review of building codes in vulnerable coastal cities. Sources said Paradip, Jagatsinghpur and adjoining coastal areas have experienced around eight to 10 mild tremors over the past five decades, though most caused no major damage.
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake in 2014 shook Jagatsinghpur, Paradip, Kendrapara and other coastal districts, reportedly injuring around 200 people, including nearly 80 in Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Jajpur.
Last year, tremors from a 5.1-magnitude earthquake originating in the Bay of Bengal were also felt in several coastal districts, including Paradip and Jagatsinghpur. Both towns fall under Seismic Zone III, classified as a moderate damage risk zone, where earthquakes of significant intensity can occur.
Experts have expressed particular concern over construction of multi-storeyed buildings, especially structures exceeding prescribed height limits, and stressed the need for strict enforcement of safety norms and regular structural audits.
The issue of unsafe buildings has also remained unresolved. Following an Odisha Human Rights Commission direction in 2014, the state government had instructed collectors to demolish unsafe buildings and repair old structures, particularly those posing risks to schoolchildren. A survey in Jagatsinghpur district identified 261 unsafe school buildings, including 109 primary schools, but sources alleged that none had been demolished.
In Paradip, several dilapidated structures, including unsafe high-rise buildings in Nehrubangala, are yet to be demolished despite repeated demands from residents.
Paradip ADM Niranjan Behera said the administration had instructed industrial establishments to construct earthquake-resistant buildings. Government buildings, too, were being constructed in accordance with earthquake-resistant norms, he said.
Behera added that the Paradip Port Authority should take steps to demolish unsafe buildings to protect people in the event of an earthquake.