Delhi National Capital Region Research Articles

Employee loyalty and counter-productive work behaviour among employees in the Indian hospitality sector

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of employee loyalty and counter-productive work behaviour (CWB) among employees working in the Indian hospitality sector. The study also compared the status of employee loyalty among managers, who exhibit either very high and or very low traits of CWB. The study also examined the factors responsible for the high tendency of employee loyalty and for that of CWB.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected by using questionnaire and interview methods from employees and managers working in hotels situated in the National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi, India. A sample of total 220 junior and middle level managers and other employees was taken and a selected sample was tested for tendencies of employee loyalty and CWB and analyzed to interpret the findings.FindingsThe findings reveal that the tendency of employee loyalty among managers in the hospitality sector was high, whereas the status of CWB was low. Results also predicted that the tendency of employee loyalty was high among the managers with low traits of counter-productive behaviour and very low among managers with a higher tendency of CWB. Factors such as compensation and benefits, job security and growth and satisfaction were found to be responsible for high tendency of employee loyalty; the controlling of factors such as ignoring or arguing with others, physically damaging organizational property, stealing organizational or employee’s property, intentionally working slowly, doing work incorrectly, neglecting to follow procedures, taking longer breaks than allowed, coming late and leaving early was responsible for a high degree of CWB.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted by involving lower and middle level hospitality sector managers in the NCR Delhi region only. To generalize the findings effectively, a more comprehensive study should be conducted that also involves senior level managers.Originality/valueThere are relatively few prior studies of the factors addressed in this study which has sought to explore an under-research aspect of workplace behaviour.

Bacterial community structure in soils contaminated with electronic waste pollutants from Delhi NCR, India

Abstract Background Microbial community analysis of electronic waste (e-waste)-polluted environments is of interest to understand the effect of toxic e-waste pollutants on the soil microbial community and to evaluate novel microorganisms resisting the toxic environment. The present study aims to investigate the bacterial community structure in soils contaminated with e-waste from various sites of Loni and Mandoli (National Capital Region (NCR), India) where e-waste dumping and recycling activities are being carried out for many years. Results Interferences to soil metagenomic DNA extraction and PCR amplification were observed because of the presence of inhibiting components derived from circuit boards. Whole-metagenome sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform showed that the most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Deltaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria were the most common classes under Proteobacteria. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene showed that e-waste contamination altered the soil bacterial composition and diversity. There was a decrease in the number of predominant bacterial groups like Proteobacteria and Firmicutes but emergence of Actinobacteria in the contaminated soil samples. Conclusions This is the first report describing the bacterial community structure of composite soil samples of e-waste-contaminated sites of Loni and Mandoli, Delhi NCR, India. The findings indicate that novel bacteria with potential bioremediating properties may be present in the e-waste-contaminated sites and hence need to be evaluated further. How to cite: Salam M, Varma A. Bacterial community structure in soils contaminated with electronic waste pollutants from Delhi NCR, India. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.07.003 .

A Prototype Earthquake Early Warning System for Northern India

ABSTRACT Part of North-Western Himalaya particularly Uttarakhand has been identified by several eminent seismologists as gap area where large size earthquake (greater than magnitude 7) is expected. The region has witnessed two earthquakes having a magnitude greater than 6 in last 25 years (March 28, 1999 Chamoli earthquake and October 20, 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake) both having an epicenter in Gharwal region of Uttarakhand. Several studies have shown that a future large earthquake in central Himalayas can generate severe ground motion in the National capital region of Delhi, which is about 300 km from this expected source. Several densely populated cities and villages having total population of several millions are located between Delhi and Uttarakhand. These towns/cities will be severely affected by a large earthquake having an epicenter in this region. Using advancements in communication technology and real-time seismology, a project to have an earthquake early warning system for Northern India is under progress at Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. In this project, a dense network of 84 accelerometers has been installed covering an area of about 100 × 40 km in Garhwal region. This network has an average station to station distance of less than 10 km and all the sensors are streaming data, which is being processed in real time at central server stationed at Roorkee. This paper describes details of the network, sensors, present status of development, performance of instrumentation during recent events, and processing details.

Virulence-associated traits and in vitro biofilm-forming ability of Escherichia coli isolated from a major river traversing Northern India

Several strains of Escherichia coli harbor virulence traits, resulting in E. coli-related intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Various studies have reported that extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains were prevalent in nonhuman reservoirs, including environmental waterways. It is therefore important to identify the pathogenic potential and/or ExPEC status of E. coli strains inhabiting the aquatic environments associated with anthropogenic activities. Besides virulence-associated genes, biofilm production also helps in the survival of E. coli in environmental waterbodies. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess the virulence potential, ExPEC status, and biofilm-producing capability of E. coli isolated from the River Yamuna, a major river traversing the National Capital Region of Delhi, India. We also tried to discern a co-relation, if any, between virulence, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance in these strains. Our results indicated that virulence-associated genes were scarce and none of the strain qualified the molecular criteria essential for ExPEC. This suggested that E. coli strains which can presumably cause human extra-intestinal infections were not prominent in the River Yamuna. However, the fact that more than 80% of the aquatic E. coli isolates were moderate and strong biofilm producers suggests that E. coli in these environments might serve as opportunistic pathogens. Also, no unequivocal association was observed between biofilm production, virulence, and β-lactamase genes in E. coli strains. As per the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where the relationship between virulence, biofilms, and antimicrobials has been examined in E. coli, isolated from an Indian urban aquatic waterbody.

Spatial–temporal landscape pattern change under rapid urbanization

Rapid urbanization has been an important social and economic phenomenon in the last 50 years. Our study analyzes the spatial–temporal landscape pattern in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, one of the most rapid urbanization areas in the world. Delhi metropolitan area and its surrounding satellite cities exhibit a soaring rate of landscape pattern change during the last two decades. A set of landscape metrics with supplementary ecological meaning was chosen to study the changes of landscape pattern in NCR. The results indicate that the rapid urbanization has brought enormous landscape changes in NCR, and consequently, substantial impacts on its landscape pattern. The most “active” landscapes are farmland and impervious surface, as the major landscape change (41.46%) is found in the transition from farmland landscape to impervious-surface landscape. Meanwhile, the landscape pattern is fragmented into a more heterogeneous pattern in both farmland and urban landscape with more irregularly shaped patches during urbanization. Our research confirms the effectiveness and applicability of a combination of remote sensing, geographic information systems, and landscape metrics in revealing spatial–temporal of landscape change throughout rapid growth periods.

Low Cost Private Schools: How Low Cost Really Are These?

Private schools account for a high and rising share of school enrolment at the elementary level in India. Among various types of private schools, low cost private schools (LCPS) are a segment which charge relatively low fees compared to other private schools. However, the students attending such schools are typically from households in low economic strata and with poor educational levels. This commentary shows how even the “low” fees charged in such schools account for a substantial share of the earnings of these families, given their limited earning ability. The commentary is based on a primary survey based in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).

Telemedicine in Camp Mode While Screening for Noncommunicable Diseases: A Preliminary Report from India.

Introduction: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a major cause of disease burden. NCDs are a global epidemic and India is no exception. Risk factors contributing to NCDs can be detected before symptoms occur. Screening is an effective tool. Real-time teleconsultation during screening is a value-added service. This preliminary report documents the process and observations during teleconsultations provided in NCD screening camps, across multiple locations in India. That real-time teleconsultations in camp mode make a difference and are relevant in India is discussed. Materials and Methods: To provide awareness about risk factors of common NCDs such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and anemia, screening camps were conducted. A 22-member field team organizes internet-enabled camps using point-of-care diagnostics. Software was developed to capture participant details and provide decision support to the field team. This resulted in identification of participants eligible for teleconsultations. Participants with risk factors of the targeted NCDs (hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia) were offered teleconsultations during screening. Currently, the program is active across six locations (Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Delhi National Capital Region, Kolkata, Pune, and Vijayawada) in India. Results: Since program inception from August 27, 2015 to October 31, 2018, a total of 757,325 participants have been screened. Twenty-seven thousand three hundred fifty-three participants were eligible for teleconsultations. Thirteen thousand six hundred fifteen availed onsite teleconsultations; 99.8% of the 1409 teleconsultation beneficiaries surveyed were "extremely satisfied and very happy." Conclusion: Providing real-time teleconsultations to 13,615 individuals "at risk" of specific NCDs from six centers across India is doable and well received by beneficiaries.

Tracking ambient PM2.5 build-up in Delhi national capital region during the dry season over 15 years using a high-resolution (1 km) satellite aerosol dataset

The Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) is among the most polluted areas in the world. We tracked ambient PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) build-up in Delhi NCR during the dry season (October–June) by analysing 15 years (2001-02 to 2015-16) of high-resolution (1 km) satellite data that has been bias corrected using coincident in-situ data. Ambient PM2.5 concentrations are 1.25 times lower in the upwind regions compared to the downwind areas of Delhi NCR, with the difference being attributed to outflow from the Delhi National Capital Territory (NCT). We identify two major peak pollution episodes – the first occurs from the end of October to early November, while the second occurs toward the end of December through early January. Mean ambient PM2.5 concentrations remain >300 μg/m3 (five times the Indian 24-h national standard) for several weeks around the two peak pollution episodes. The first peak is attributed to pollution transport from upwind areas affected by open biomass burning, coupled with stable atmospheric conditions, while the second is attributed to enhanced local emissions and perhaps secondary aerosol formation under favorable meteorological conditions. The implementation of the “Sub-soil Water Preservation Act” in 2009 in Punjab (a state upwind of Delhi NCT) reduced the time between paddy and wheat cultivation seasons; as a result, open biomass burning increased, resulting in a 9% increase in weekly PM2.5 concentration over Delhi NCT since 2009 during the first pollution episode. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time MODIS MAIAC 1 km satellite data are used to generate pollution statistics over India. Our results demonstrate the potential of high-resolution satellite data in tracking pollution build-up at an urban scale and may help in air quality management.

A structural equation model to assess behavioural intention to use biometric enabled e-banking services in India

India has a very meagre percentage of internet users doing banking transactions online despite a large, rapidly growing population of internet users. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the behavioural intention of customers to adopt biometric enabled banking services using the technology acceptance model. Confirmatory factor analysis has been carried out and a structural equation model has been developed using AMOS. Hypothesis testing has been done including demographic variables of age, income and internet banking usage. A survey of a sample of 200 respondents was conducted in the National Capital Region of Delhi. Perceived ease of use was found to be an important factor in determining behavioural intention to use biometrics. Demographic factors were found to have no significant effect on the attitude towards use of biometrics. Intention to use biometrics in banking being unaffected by demographic factors is positive news for biometric usage.

Impact of demographic variables on factors of customer satisfaction in banking industry using confirmatory factor analysis

Emergence of technology and competitive pressures led by financial liberalisation are driving fundamental shifts in the way Indian banks operate and deliver services to their customers. Banks are progressively moving towards an age of high-technology banking in order to ensure operational excellence and higher customer satisfaction. Use of technology for providing banking services requires investment of money and time and it becomes imperative to understand whether technological innovations really boost the level of customer satisfaction. This paper attempts to measure the impact of demographic variables on various determinants of customer satisfaction in the Indian banking industry, e.g., security, reliability, privacy. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using AMOS 18 was utilised to examine the validity and reliability of the measurement model. The study is based on a survey of banking customers particularly in the National Capital Region of Delhi. The study is limited to two innovations in the banking industry: credit/debit card and internet banking.

Substance abuse and depression among auto-rickshaw drivers: A study from the national capital region of Delhi, India

Introduction: Auto-rickshaw driver is exposed to many kinds of risks owing to his profession, such as stressful occupational conditions, environmental pollution, and drug abuse such as smoking, tobacco, and alcohol use. The present study is an attempt to estimate the prevalence of substance abuse and depression among auto-rickshaw drivers and compare these with nonauto-rickshaw drivers. Subjects and Methods: A total of 120 participants were enrolled randomly in the study, i.e., 60 each from auto-rickshaw drivers and nonauto-rickshaw population. To fulfill the objective, methodology based on the test application of the Beck's Depression Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and alcohol, smoking, and substance involvement screening test was used. A predesigned questionnaire was used that included information such as general health status, habits, addictions, and work experience. To establish statistical relationships between two or more random variables, the Pearson correlation coefficient was also calculated. Results: In the present study, significant high prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use was seen among auto drivers, 83.3% and 63.3% as compared to nonauto-rickshaw drivers (tobacco and alcohol, 46.6% and 46.1%, respectively). The prevalence of depression in auto-rickshaw drivers was 90% (mild-to-severe range) which was significantly high compared to nonauto-rickshaw drivers (60%). On the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, more than half of the auto-rickshaw drivers, i.e., 60%, had mild-to-moderate anxiety which was higher than nonauto-rickshaw (5%). Driving experience, age, and substance abuse (alcohol and tobacco use) showed a significant association with depression. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse in auto-rickshaw drivers. There was a positive correlation of depression with substance abuse (alcohol and tobacco), age, and work experience. This study will assist the psychologist to understand and treat the mental health issues among professional drivers.

Climate Leading to an Existential Challenge: AStudy of Delhi-NCR

Climate change, one of the prominent phenomena being experienced all over the earth, is continuing since the formation of the earth and will continue for decades. Climate change is more than global warming or sea-level rise; the rise in average temperature is only one indicator of broader changes also translating into extreme temperatures, drought, flooding, storms, rising sea levels, impacts on food production and infectious diseases. A large number of legally binding human rights obligations have been agreed upon by many nations since the creation of the United Nations. Although, the concern lies not just in climate change, but in vulnerable climatic variations and rapid changes in patterns also. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has recently concluded that ‘Climate change is a human tragedy in the making. Allowing that tragedy to evolve would be a political failure that merits the description of an outrage to the conscience of mankind’. This article sets out the relevance of sustainability and climate change in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) region of India. Highlighting the multiple constraints of climate change and possessing the risk to human and potentially leading to their serious and widespread anthropogenic contribution to the increase in atmospheric CO2 and other GHGs. The article demonstrates the formation of urban heat island (UHI) over the area of Delhi NCR, footprints of urbanisation, frequent climatic changes, concretisation, and land-use conversions resulting into a threat to human health and well-being. Several international agreements on combating climate change as well as steps taken nationally to improve the environmental conditions keeping a focus on afforestation, green belt initiative, use of CNG, treatment of wastewater and light on serious damage done to Yamuna river. The recorded differential cooling and heating of various land use/cover, large temperature ranges are associated with bare land, built-up land, etc., the results suggest that methodology is feasible to estimate surface emissivity and surface temperature with reasonable accuracy over heterogeneous urban area, stating that north-south and west-east gradient of temperature demonstrates that the core of Delhi has a much lower temperature and UHI phenomenon. Extremely high-and low-temperature conditions in built-up land have direct and negative impacts on health conditions, and therefore are imperative to study. Thus, an attempt has been made in this research to analyse climatic variations and temporal differences in the city of Delhi.

Empirical Investigation of the Moderating effect of Workforce Diversity on the Relationship between Leader Cultural Intelligence and Team Performance

Currently, the world is undergoing a dramatic transition due to the presence of numerous volatile forces in the business environment. The challenge is to map these changes and integrate the same with the performance. Leader cultural intelligence (CQ) enables an organization to increase its cultural competence and harness diversity at the workplace, which is considered to be a key driver for innovation. Data gathered from 358 samples consisting of top-, middle- and executive-level employees working in Information Technology (IT)& Information Technology enabled services (ITES) companies located in Delhi-National Capital Region (India) indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between leader CQ and Team Performance (Innovation).

Study of pattern and prevalence of mandibular impacted third molar among Delhi-National Capital Region population with newer proposed classification of mandibular impacted third molar: A retrospective study.

Aim/Objective:The mandibular third molar is the most frequently impacted tooth with incidence varies from 9.5% to 68% in different populations. Hence, the aim was to study the prevalence and pattern of mandibular impacted third molar among Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) population.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted with data collected from registered hospitals and dental clinics of Delhi NCR region. The study represents a retrospective analysis of panoramic radiographs and intraoral periapical radiograph of patients at these centers from June 2014 to June 2016.Results:Out of 960 patients with the third molar investigated, a total of 250 patients having impacted mandibular third molar (152 [60.8%] males and 98 [39.2%]) females between June 2014 and June 2016 were included in the study. The age ranged from 20 to 55 years, with a mean age of 27.6 years and the standard deviation was 5.8 years. The prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars for this study was 26.04%.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that males (60.8%) were more likely to present with impacted mandibular third molars than females (39.2%). The prevalence of third molar impactions was almost the same on both the left (45.8%) and right (54.2%) sides. This study also noted that mesioangular impactions (49.2%) were the most common type of impaction. The least common form of impactions was the transverse types (2%). The prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars for this study was 26.04%.

Buying Intention, Acceptability and Frequency of Purchase: Analyzing their Determinants using SEM

Considering the growing relevance of Indian retail sector, this research aims to study the consumer buying behaviour towards national brands (NB). More in detail, this research shall explore the determinants of buying intention, acceptability and frequency of purchase developing a model for consumer buying behaviour toward NB. A structured questionnaire was provided to the respondents across Delhi (National Capital Region). At the first stage, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) has been used to test dimensionality of the data with the aim to produce a set of items reflecting the meaning of the relative construct. Then, structural equation modelling (SEM) has been implemented using AMOS in order to test the validity of the overall model and the relationships among the selected variables. Results revealed that consumer buying intention, acceptability and frequency of purchase brands are influenced by promotion, brand awareness and image. It is also interesting to note that loyalty is directly influenced by value for money. This relation provides useful implications: customer loyalty could be developed by managing reasonable price and quality for NB.

Particle phase PAHs in the atmosphere of Delhi-NCR: With spatial distribution, source characterization and risk approximation

This study was undertaken to investigate the spatial and temporal variation of sixteen priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) as per the classification of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA); bound to size-fractionated particles along with their sources and probabilistic risks in urban environments of Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) of India, where quantification of PAHs was carried out through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for the samples collected during the period 2015–16. PAHs were observed to be highly concentrated in the smaller size ranges of particles throughout the analyses. Benzo[a]pyrene (12%) contributed the highest mean concentration, whereas Acenaphthene (2%) contributed least among the PAHs in size fractionated particles. Relative abundances of PAHs revealed that higher amount were associated with fine particles (<2.5 μm). Pyrene dominated in the particles of fine fraction with highest proportions than the corresponding particles of coarse fraction (> 2.5 μm) among the priority PAHs. Winter registered considerably maximum concentration of PAHs, whereas it was minimum during the rainy season. Spatial distribution of PAHs was interpolated by applying the spatial analyst extension Arc Geographic Information System (GIS) software (version 10.1). Molecular Diagnostic Ratio (MDR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were performed for source apportionment of PAHs; where pyrogenic and petrogenic emissions were found to be the major contributors in the monitored sites. Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risks (ILCR; in terms of inhalation exposure) and Benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentrations were investigated for toxicity assessment of PAHs. The priority PAHs having inhalation unit risk [(μg/m3)−1] were used for the investigation of ILCR associated with children and adults, where Benzo[a]pyrene possessed the maximum ILCR of all the PAHs.

Paddy and wheat stubble blazing in Haryana and Punjab states of India: A menace for environmental health

AbstractPaddy and wheat cropping is a widespread farming practice in northwestern parts of India, primarily in the riverine plains of Haryana and Punjab. These fertile lands are well known for extensive agricultural fields; however, they are equally infamous for the burning of paddy and wheat straw and stubble by farmers after the harvesting season. In India, it is reckoned that 22,289 gigagrams (Gg) of paddy stubble biomass is generated annually, and of this 13,915 Gg (62.42%) is set ablaze in the agricultural fields. Haryana and Punjab alone produce 48% of the whole straw production in India, which is openly burned in situ. Burning of farm residue emits various trace gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and sulfur oxides (SOX), as well as huge quantities of particulate matter (PM), including PM of 10 microns or less (PM10) and 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5), into the atmosphere, causing negative impacts on human health and exacerbating global warming. It is estimated that the burning of one metric tonne (2,204.6 pounds) of straw releases 3 kilograms (kg) of PM, 60 kg of CO, 1,460 kg of CO2, 199 kg of ash, and 2 kg of SO2, causing significant global warming and acid rain. The major problems faced by the local people are eye irritation, dryness of eyes, lung diseases, and chest congestion. The National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab faced a disastrous smog impact during October 2016, and November 2017. These incidents led to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis, bronchitis, cataract, corneal opacity, blindness, and air pollution (smog), especially indoor air pollution, which is also a risk factor for developing pulmonary tuberculosis. Because of severe air pollution, Delhi NCR alone experiences approximately 20,000 premature deaths annually. Cases of road accidents also increase during periods of stubble burning due to poor visibility. The emissions also contribute to haze, global warming, and climate change. In India, the National Green Tribunal prohibited this antediluvian farm practice of straw burning in the pollution‐racked city of New Delhi and the adjacent state of Haryana and, just to the northwest, Punjab. One of the methods that can be used to reduce this menace is incorporation of the straw into the soil, which eventually enhances soil fertility. The crop residue material can also be used for compost formation as a traditional approach. In addition, alternate energy resources can be generated from this agro‐biomass. Further, over the past decades, many conversion processes were developed to produce alternate biofuels in different forms (pellets, briquettes) from crop residues. An integrated crop residue management approach is the need of the hour to control this human‐induced catastrophe.

Comment on “Geographic Concentration in Indian Manufacturing and Service Industries: Evidence from 1998 to 2013”

Comment on “Geographic Concentration in Indian Manufacturing and Service Industries: Evidence from 1998 to 2013”

Mutual fund investor’s behaviour towards information search and selection criteria

PurposeThe fund selection process of investors in a mutual fund needs to be understood for designing better marketing strategies. Knowledge and perception about the mutual funds can affect investor’s behaviour towards information search and selection criteria during the decision process. Therefore, this study aims to examine Indian mutual fund investors under the framework of Theory of Planned Behaviour and consumer’s behaviour model.Design/methodology/approachThe data have been collected from mutual fund investors in the National Capital Region–Delhi, India, through structured questionnaire. The collected data were examined with relevant statistical tools.FindingsKnowledge and perception affect information search behaviour of the investor. Investors having better knowledge of mutual funds access impersonal sources of information and performance of fund affects their choice, whereas investors having lesser knowledge of mutual fund take advice of experts and select funds based on fund characteristics. Investors with better return perception for mutual funds ignore performance as selection criteria, whereas investors having poor risk perception tend to reduce their bias by accessing personal sources of information. Education and income of investor affect knowledge and perception of mutual funds.Practical implicationsThe financial advisor-driven investors ignore performance as selection criteria and could lead to dissatisfaction later. Therefore, to make the industry investor driven, mutual funds need to focus on improving the knowledge of investors.Originality/valueThis paper shows the unique effect of knowledge and perception on information search behaviour of investors towards mutual funds. The knowledgeable investor selects mutual funds by understanding all risks and benefits.

Testing the performance of earthquake early warning system in northern India

The main goal of present study is to test the functionality of an earthquake early warning (EEW) system (a life-saving tool), in India using synthesized data and recorded earthquake data from Taiwan. In recent time, India set up an EEW system in the central seismic gap along the Himalayan Belt, consisting of about 100 low-cost P-Alert instruments. The area, where these instruments are installed, is highly sensitive to the seismic risk with the potential of strong, major and great earthquakes. In the absence of recorded data from the Himalayas required for analysis of such system, we take advantage of recorded waveforms from Taiwan, to test the EEW system. We selected Taiwanese stations in good accordance with the Indian sensor network, to have a best fit in terms of inter station spacing. Finally, the recorded waveforms are passed through Earthworm software using tankplayer module. The system performs very well in terms of earthquake detection, P-wave picking, earthquake magnitude and location (using previously estimated regressions). Pd algorithm has been tested where the peak amplitude of vertical displacement is used for estimating magnitudes using previously regressed empirical relationship data. For the earthquakes located between Main Boundary Thrust and Main Central Thrust along with a matching instrumentation window, a good estimate of location, as well as magnitude is observed. The approach based on Pd for estimating magnitude works perfectly as compared to $$\tau_{\text{c}}$$ approach, which is more sensitive to signal-to-noise ratio. To make it more region specific, we generated synthetic seismograms from the epicenters of historical Chamoli (1999) and Uttarkashi (1991) earthquakes at EEW stations in India and checked the functionality of EEW. While placing these earthquakes within the instrumentation window, a good approximation of earthquake location and magnitude is obtained by passing these generated waveforms. The parameters used to judge the performance of EEW system included the time taken by the system in issuing warning after the confirmation of the occurrence of damaging earthquake and the lead time (time interval between the issuing of warning and arrival of damaging earthquake ground motion at a particular location). High lead times have been obtained for the plainer regions including thickly populated regions of Gangetic plains, such as Delhi National Capital Region according to the distance from the epicenter, which are the main target of EEW system.