1905 Kangra quake remembered with call for preparedness
To commemorate the devastating earthquake that struck Kangra on April 4, 1905, the district administration on Friday organised a memorial march from the DC office to the Police Ground in Dharamsala. Officers and employees from various departments, including the Deputy Commissioner’s office, along with schoolchildren and representatives from educational institutions, participated in the march.
At the Police Ground, a commemorative programme was held in memory of the thousands who lost their lives in the catastrophe. Students delivered speeches on earthquakes and disaster preparedness, while local artistes presented impactful street plays to spread awareness about natural calamities.
Chairing the event, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Vinay Kumar paid tribute to the victims of the 1905 earthquake and urged citizens to stay alert and proactive in the face of natural disasters. He emphasised the need for preparedness, especially in light of the district’s rapid urbanisation.
“When the 1905 earthquake struck, the population and number of buildings were relatively low, yet the devastation was massive. Today, with significantly higher population density and infrastructure, the impact of a similar disaster would be far more severe. We must adopt earthquake-resistant construction practices and ensure open spaces are maintained in urban planning,” he said.
ADC Kumar highlighted the importance of the Kangra earthquake in shaping the country’s approach to seismic safety, particularly in Himachal Pradesh. He called for strict adherence to seismic construction norms and encouraged community awareness regarding rescue and response measures.
“The Kangra earthquake, even after 120 years, remains a grim reminder that natural disasters can strike at any time. An aware and active society is key to mitigating their impact,” he added.
During the event, the ADC also felicitated three “Disaster Friends” — Nikita, Narendra, and Anita — who recently completed training under the Youth Disaster Friend Scheme at the Central Training Institute, Jammu. Winners of the speech competition were also honoured. Geetanjali from Government Senior Secondary School, Dharamsala, secured the first position, followed by Devanshi Bhatt in second and Sonakshi in third.
The programme saw the participation of Assistant Commissioner Subhash Gautam, Dharamsala SDM Sanjeev Kumar, and personnel from the police, NDRF, SDRF, Home Guards, NIDM, as well as teachers and students from local institutions.
Himachal Tribune