Day 26 – 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)

  • IASbaba
  • July 3, 2025
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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 

  1. 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.  
  2. 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 

  1. 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.  
  2. 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.  
  3. 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.  
  4. Awareness and Communication Drives: NDMA conducts multi-platform campaigns  promoting “Drop, Cover, Hold” and retrofitting awareness, especially in high-risk states. 
  5. 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 

  1. 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).  
  2. Outdated Urban Planning Norms: Many municipal bodies still operate under town  planning acts that don’t incorporate seismic risk zoning.  
  3. Lack of Early Warning Systems: India lacks an earthquake early warning system, unlike  Japan or Mexico; IMD alerts are issued only post-event.  
  4. Poor Community Awareness: Surveys by NDMA show only 30% awareness of “Drop,  Cover, Hold” drills even in quake-prone states like Uttarakhand. 
  5. Slow Pace of Retrofitting: Of 5,000 vulnerable schools identified in Himachal and Assam,  less than 25% have been structurally upgraded.  

Way Forward 

  1. Strengthen Compliance Mechanisms: Make BIS seismic codes legally binding across  states; enforce penalties for non-compliance in high-risk zones.  
  2. Develop Earthquake Early Warning Systems: Build real-time alerts leveraging AI and  sensors, in collaboration with global best practices (e.g., Japan’s EEWS).  
  3. Mainstream DRR in Urban Planning: Integrate Sendai Framework principles into master  plans—risk-informed land use, zoning, and resilient infrastructure.  
  4. Boost Community Preparedness: Promote mass-scale public drills and education, in line  with Hyogo Framework’s “Build Back Better” doctrine.  
  5. 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.

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