India’s first Earthquake Memorial
In Bhuj, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday opened the country’s first-ever earthquake memorial, Smriti Van. The Smriti Van is a special memorial in that it contains a list of names of over 12,000 people who died in the devastating earthquake that struck this region in January 2001. This special memorial covers 470 acres of land around the crest of Bhujiyo hill. There is an earthquake simulator where one is able to feel realistic earthquake shaking, which is exciting for children. Also present at the event were Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and C.R. Patil, state BJP president.
Prime Minister Modi had a rousing reception during a road show in Bhuj. Mr Modi is in Kutch to launch and lay the foundation stones for a few development projects. He is also serving as chief guest during an event in Gandhinagar at Mahatma Mandir for Maruti Suzuki’s 40 years in the country.
Main Points
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) noted in its report that tents that served as health facilities were erected days after the earthquake in Kutch.
- A public health laboratory was established in Bhuj, to provide medical assistance and to manage illnesses.
- The WHO reported this was followed by the use of a GIS-based surveillance system as an early warning system in order to rapidly prevent epidemics.
- The Gujarat government rebuilt the Kutch District Hospital, GK General Hospital, which was destroyed by the strong tremors, having used base isolation methods and making it earthquake safe.
- In the research’s conclusion, the chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, pledged to build and restore damaged areas in order to achieve the state’s aspirational long-term aim of sustainable disaster resilient growth. “Gujarat in 2001 exhibited action for reducing risks in rescue operations, Gujarat is a civilization and a culture of resilience.”
About Features of the Memorial
It spans over 470 acres and contains a museum that illustrates the topography of Gujarat, recovery, and achievements after the earthquake in 2001. It has a museum section that informs visitors about other events of disaster, as well as disaster response preparedness. There is a block where users can experience an earthquake in a 5D simulator, and another block to commemorate the deceased. Additional attractions include: - Fifty check dams
- A sun point
- Eight kilometres of walkways
- 1.2 kilometres of internal roads
- A one-megawatt solar plant
- A parking area for 3,000 guests