Abstract
Bilaspur (31° 23′ 586′′ N; 76° 45′ 178′′ E) lies in the south-west Himachal close to the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT). Neotectonic studies carried out in this region have revealed that the area is traversed by several faults, many of which may be active. GPS studies carried out in the entire Himalayan region indicate crustal shortening leading to strain accumulation. This is manifest in enhanced tectonic activity in the form of major and minor earthquakes. However, there are certain areas where stress release has not been witnessed and these areas can fail in large magnitude earthquakes in the future. Bilaspur lies in the zone of strain accumulation. This zone is building up a slip deficit at the rate of 14 ± 1 mm year−1. In the light of these revelations and the fact that Bilaspur houses one of the biggest water reservoirs of the country an attempt has been made to assess the implications of these observations.
Acknowledgements
Financial assistance provided by CSIR, Delhi in the form of Research Associateship (No. 9/428 (57) 2004-EMR-I) to the first author is gratefully acknowledged. Head, Department of Geology, Kumaun University, Nainital is acknowledged for providing necessary facilities.