The seismic activity in the south of the Pir Panjal range in Doda district is not new and is a continuous process that leads to earthquakes in the region. “The Himalayan region has been witnessing seismic activity on a regular basis. After May 1, it has gone up, particularly in Doda district,” Professor Talat Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, who is also a geological expert, told The Tribune. Since May 1, Doda district has been witnessing moderate to low earthquakes and the number has gone up to more than 100. The May 1 earthquake measured 5.8 on the Richter scale, in which more than 80,000 structures developed cracks. People of the region are in fear after these tremors. It was also suspected that the tremors occurred due to water reservoirs constructed for hydroelectric projects. A team of eight seismologists, headed by expert Talat Ahmad, visited Doda district and observed an increase in the seismic activity. They came to a conclusion that the construction of dams had nothing to do with it. He said they had installed some instruments in the region to record the seismic activity. The team, however, said infrastructure needed to be expanded so that the seismic activity could be observed on regular basis. Talat said the team would study the nature and type of rocks in the region and identify the areas for the installation of equipment to monitor the seismic activity. “The entire Himalayan region being an active seismic zone, there is a need to take precautionary measures to minimise the loss of life and property in such eventualities. People must be made aware of the precautionary measures to be taken in advance and at the time of calamities,” said the expert. Warning sign Professor Talat Ahmad has said the threat of a bigger earthquake is hovering over the entire Himalayan region from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. The region is a zone of the highest seismic hazard. A major earthquake can take place in this region anytime.