Bengaluru: While citizens and civil society groups have been asking for consultations with state authorities before executing infrastructural projects, geologists are sharing a similar sentiment. Speaking on the sidelines of International Geoscience Youth Movement organised by not-for-profit Prayoga here Friday, they argued that earth science plays a crucial role in Karnataka.TA Viswanath, former professor at Goa University’s dept of earth sciences, said the proposed Hebbal-Silk Board tunnel road project might come with consequences. “When somebody plans a tunnel beneath Bangalore, there is solid rock everywhere. In spite of that, there are certain weak zones which can be affected when you drill through them,” he said.The city-based geologist argued that while rocks might be affected, the use of tunnel boring machines could cause resonance, resulting in several ground-level structures to shake.R Shankar, geologist and retired professor at Mangalore University claimed coastal areas of Karnataka continue to struggle with sea erosion due to a similar issue: “Every year there are complaints from fishermen in Mangaluru and Udupi on sea erosion. Rather than taking helps of earth scientists and figuring out a solution, compensation and breakwaters are preferred as temporary solutions.”Shankar claimed the community of geologists hasn’t been active in civil society or social media to offer their expertise: “Both govt and us, geologists, can be blamed. But they (govt) need to listen to our suggestions before going ahead.”Jagvir Singh, adviser, ministry of earth sciences, said with cloudbursts, intense rainfall and lightning continuing to pose major scientific challenges, there is a need for persistent research, stronger collaboration among scientific institutions, universities, industry, international partners and sustained investment in Earth system science.
