Indian Economy, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 1. Considering the recent earthquakes in Nepal and north eastern India, examine India’s preparedness to handle high-intensity earthquakes, especially in seismically active zones. (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
According to NDMA and the UNDRR, over 60% of India’s landmass is vulnerable to moderate-to severe seismic activity. Recent quakes underscore the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and community preparedness in seismic zones III–V.
Body
Recent Earthquakes and Their Implications
- Nepal Earthquake, November 2023: A 6.4 magnitude quake in Jajarkot claimed over 150 lives and shook parts of northern India, including Delhi and UP.
- Assam Earthquake, March 2024: A 5.2 magnitude tremor hit Sonitpur district, exposing structural vulnerabilities in Northeast India’s urban hubs.
India’s Current Earthquake Preparedness
- Seismic Monitoring Network Expansion: The National Centre for Seismology runs over 115 observatories that relay real-time earthquake data to national and state disaster agencies.
- Seismic Micro zonation and Risk Mapping: Cities with populations over 5 lakh are micro zoned for seismic risk, helping in quake-resistant planning and safer construction practices.
- National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Project (NERMP): NDMA’s flagship program in Zones IV and V focuses on legal reforms, institutional training, and community-level disaster awareness.
- Awareness and Communication Drives: NDMA conducts multi-platform campaigns promoting “Drop, Cover, Hold” and retrofitting awareness, especially in high-risk states.
- Earthquake Disaster Risk Index: NDMA’s index helps quantify risks in cities across Zones IV and V, guiding priority interventions and preparedness investments.
Challenges and Limitations in Preparedness
- Weak Implementation of BIS Codes: Despite BIS 1893 guidelines, most Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities show poor adherence, as noted in the CAG report (2020).
- Outdated Urban Planning Norms: Many municipal bodies still operate under town planning acts that don’t incorporate seismic risk zoning.
- Lack of Early Warning Systems: India lacks an earthquake early warning system, unlike Japan or Mexico; IMD alerts are issued only post-event.
- Poor Community Awareness: Surveys by NDMA show only 30% awareness of “Drop, Cover, Hold” drills even in quake-prone states like Uttarakhand.
- Slow Pace of Retrofitting: Of 5,000 vulnerable schools identified in Himachal and Assam, less than 25% have been structurally upgraded.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Compliance Mechanisms: Make BIS seismic codes legally binding across states; enforce penalties for non-compliance in high-risk zones.
- Develop Earthquake Early Warning Systems: Build real-time alerts leveraging AI and sensors, in collaboration with global best practices (e.g., Japan’s EEWS).
- Mainstream DRR in Urban Planning: Integrate Sendai Framework principles into master plans—risk-informed land use, zoning, and resilient infrastructure.
- Boost Community Preparedness: Promote mass-scale public drills and education, in line with Hyogo Framework’s “Build Back Better” doctrine.
- Global Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Expand CDRI’s role in facilitating tech transfer, seismic modelling, and regional quake resilience cooperation.
Conclusion
Enhancing seismic resilience is essential for building long-term disaster resistance. Aligning with the Sendai Framework and fostering local-global synergy can transform India’s earthquake risk landscape while safeguarding lives and development gains.
