The inaugural session of the five-day training programme on “Seismic Hazards” under the CSIR Integrated Skill Development Initiative was held on  October 12, 2026 at the Department of Earth Sciences, Manipur University, Imphal. The programme is being organised jointly by CSIR–National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), Hyderabad, and Manipur University, Imphal from October 12 to 16, 2026.

The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. R. K. Hemakumar Singh, emphasised the importance of skill development initiatives, particularly in north-eastern India, which is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and other seismic hazards. He highlighted the need to organise such training programmes on a larger scale to encourage participation from colleges and other academic institutions across the region.

The initiative has been undertaken under the leadership of Dr Prakash Kumar, Director, CSIR-NGRI, with the vision of extending the CSIR Integrated Skill Development Programme to north-eastern India. It reflects CSIR-NGRI’s commitment to strengthening scientific and technical capacity, promoting skill development, and enhancing awareness of seismic hazards through collaboration with academic institutions.

This is the first training programme of its kind organised in the region through a joint initiative of CSIR-NGRI and Manipur University. The programme aims to enhance participants’ technical knowledge and practical skills in seismic hazard assessment, earthquake-related studies, and disaster preparedness, thereby contributing to greater resilience in this seismically vulnerable region.

Dr Abhey R. Bansal, Scientist-G and Nodal Officer of the CSIR Integrated Skill Development Programme at CSIR-NGRI, briefed the gathering on the institute’s skill development initiatives and their potential to build scientific and technical capacity among students and professionals. He highlighted the importance of providing specialised training opportunities to strengthen the scientific workforce in north-eastern India.

Dr Vinay Kumar, Scientist-G, CSIR-HRDC and Nodal Officer of the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative Programme, also graced the occasion and emphasised the significance of skill-oriented training in strengthening technical competencies. He highlighted such programmes across CSIR laboratories to reach a wider range of students and professionals.

Prof. Raghumani Singh, Head, Department of Earth Sciences, Manipur University, underscored the relevance of seismic hazard training for the region and the importance of developing local expertise to improve understanding of earthquake risks and preparedness.

The training programme is being conducted by faculty members from CSIR-NGRI, including Dr D. Shashidhar, Dr Pavan Kumar Vengala, Dr Sunil Roy, and Dr Nitin Sharma, along with faculty members from the Department of Earth Sciences, Manipur University. The programme combines specialised scientific instruction with practical learning to strengthen participants’ understanding of seismic hazards and related challenges.

Dr Avinash Chouhan, Assistant Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Manipur University, and Coordinator of the programme, delivered the vote of thanks. The inaugural session concluded with the National Anthem.

This collaborative initiative marks an important step towards expanding scientific and technical training opportunities in north-eastern India. By strengthening institutional partnerships, developing skilled human resources, and promoting awareness of seismic hazards, the programme seeks to contribute to improved disaster preparedness and a more resilient society.

39 participants are attending from the National Institute of Technology, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur University, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, University of Delhi, Osmania University and Bangalore University.

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