Jammu, and Kashmir region is an earth science treasure because it preserves a variety of mineral deposits (e.g. Bauxite, Gypsum, Magnesite etc.), different rock types (sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous), stunning topography, excellent geomorphology, and a wealth of water resources. However, these treasures can only be efficiently utilized if one understands their value, and significance. This requires one to systematically understand the geology that has shaped our land, and it continues to do so. And this could be achieved if our children are exposed to earth sciences at an early age. It will involve introduction of an earth science teaching module in schools, colleges, and universities. At the moment only a handful of academic institutes teach a basic geology degree programs in Jammu, and Kashmir (e.g. Amar Singh College Srinagar, Kashmir University, Jammu University), which is too less to fill the gap.
Unfortunately it took 2004 Indian-Ocean tsunami to awaken the people about the potential disasters of under-ocean-earthquake disasters. The tsunami science was reborn after this disaster, and now worldwide governments are actively working on the causes of tsunamis, and how to live with them. Similarly, large, and devastating floods, and earthquakes often stir administration to take such disasters seriously, and plan for the potential disasters in near future. However had one learnt about these disasters earlier much could have been done to avert the probable loss of life, and property.
Jammu, and Kashmir preserves beautiful, and a rich geological history (part of which is still unraveling) that everyone should be aware of. Who will not want to know how our land was build, reshaped etc. And since we live on top of rocks that were made millions of years before we come to build our small nests, therefore, it is required that we know our foundations better. And this is important because knowledge enriches one to live in harmony with nature. It builds mutual understanding, and helps one to coexist in changing conditions.
Historical data shows a number of earthquakes, and floods have occurred in Jammu, and Kashmir. And often these have caused significant damage of both property, and life. However, little have one learnt from these disasters, and this was miserably manifested in 2014 flood disaster that literally sunk the capital city for days, which was a vast pool of water. This reminds us the pioneer geological work that has proved that most of the sediment deposits in Kashmir, on which we have built our homes, were deposited in lakes, and rivers. This means that the Kashmir valley was a huge lake in geological past. And will it again become a huge lake; time to ponder over it.
The best way to efficiently deal with a disaster is to understand the factors that initiate it. And one needs to create an environment that teaches us how to live with disasters. All this is possible if earth science education is intruded at various institutes. This will guide students, from a very young age, to learn about earth sciences, and how to live in harmony with nature. And state of art research facilities should be introduced at a few institutes to fully understand the planet Earth, and its environment.
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