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'Tehri Dam can withstand 8.5 earthquake'
by Ashish Goel

     Dehradun: Scientists and experts attached to the Geological Survey of India have said that the Tehri Dam can withstand an earthquake measuring 8.5 on the Richter Scale. P C Nawani, Director, Geological Survey of India said the dam is structurally safe. There is a chance of only the upper slopes of the dam being damaged which is repairable. "We have seen that in high magnitude and high acceleration, Tehri Dam is structurally safe. Certain portions like the slopes can be damaged but they are repairable. This shows that if an earthquake of 8.5 magnitude comes, then Tehri Dam will be the safest place and the people can stand here. Nothing will happen," claimed Nawani. The State Government has welcomed the survey conducted by the scientists. The Government is also planning to make the hilly areas earthquake resistant. "We appreciate and welcome the survey. In fact, we want that Uttaranchal and the hilly areas of Himalayan should be earthquake resistant. We have asked that each house and even the huts should have strong foundation," said Uttaranchal Chief Minister Narain Dutt Tiwari. The State witnessed major earthquake tremors in Uttarkashi (1991) and Chamoli (1999). Moreover, the Government is also planning to build tunnel-based dams. The National Building Research Institute in Roorkie has been directed to make models of houses which are earthquake resistant.