Agartala, Sept. 16: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has decided to set up a seismic observatory in Tripura, given its earthquake-prone location.

According to geological data, Tripura falls in seismic zone V. The state was rocked by devastating earthquakes in July 1897 and June 1950.

The director-general of GSI, P.M. Tejale, who arrived here yesterday to lay the foundation stone of the observatory beside the new GSI headquarters in Gorkha Basti here, said they would install sophisticated equipment.

Tejale said, “With the kind of technology we now have, we can at least reduce the extent of damage and loss of lives by putting people on alert. We have conducted surveys on the possibility of earthquakes in 36 cities across the country and will submit a detailed report to the Centre.”