22 Mar Making India More Disaster-Resilient
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and topic details of Making India More Disaster-Resilient
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS- 03- Disaster Management: Making India More Disaster-Resilient
FOR PRELIMS
What is an earthquake? role does NDMA play in earthquake preparedness.
FOR MAINS
What are the challenges in predicting earthquake and their causes.
Why in the News?
India has experienced several earthquake tremors this past year, highlighting the need for better disaster preparedness. Earthquakes occur when stress builds up in the Earth’s crust. The crust is made of large plates that slowly move and these movements cause earthquakes. When an earthquake hits a populated area, it can cause significant damage. Approximately 59% of India is vulnerable to earthquakes, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has classified the country into four seismic zones based on earthquake risk. Zone V is the most active, including regions like the Himalayas, while Zone II is the least affected. Over the years, India has experienced several devastating earthquakes.
What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. This seismic activity occurs due to the release of energy stored in the Earth’s crust. The energy is generated by the movement along faults, which are fractures in the Earth’s crust where two blocks of land have moved past each other. Earthquakes vary in intensity and magnitude and are measured using the Richter scale or the more modern Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw). The epicenter is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above where the quake originates, while the focus is the point within the Earth where the seismic energy is released.
Earthquake Statistics
India is one of the most seismically active countries in the world due to its geographical location on the Indian tectonic plate. Earthquakes are frequent, ranging from low to high intensity, and have been a cause of considerable destruction in the past. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), several key statistics highlight the seismic nature of India:
1. Seismic Zones: India is divided into four seismic zones – Zone II, III, IV, and V – based on the intensity and frequency of earthquakes. Zone V is the most seismically active region and includes areas like northeastern India, parts of the Himalayas, and Gujarat, while Zone II represents regions with relatively low seismic activity.
2. Vulnerability of Landmass: Approximately 59% of India’s total land area is prone to moderate to severe seismic activity, placing millions of people at risk.
3. Urban Vulnerability: Urban centers in India, particularly those experiencing rapid, unplanned urbanization, are highly vulnerable due to a lack of earthquake-resistant infrastructure and adherence to building codes. Cities like Delhi, Guwahati, and Srinagar face high seismic risks due to their location in or near high-risk zones.
These statistics emphasize the urgent need for preparedness, strict enforcement of seismic building codes, retrofitting of older structures, and community-level awareness to mitigate the risks associated with earthquakes.
Major Earthquakes in India
India has experienced several devastating earthquakes over the years, which have caused significant loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and displacement. seismic activity has continued to be a major concern. These disasters emphasize the urgent need for stronger earthquake resilience and preparedness, particularly in high-risk zones. Below are some of the most notable earthquakes:
1. Bihar-Nepal Earthquake (1934): Magnitude 8.0 – One of the deadliest earthquakes, it caused extensive damage in northern Bihar and parts of Nepal, killing over 10,000 people. Entire towns and villages were reduced to rubble, and thousands were left homeless. It highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the Himalayan region.
2. Latur Earthquake (1993): Magnitude 6.4 – This earthquake struck Maharashtra’s Latur and Osmanabad districts, resulting in over 9,000 deaths and widespread destruction. The damage was exacerbated by poorly constructed houses and buildings. The event raised awareness about the need for earthquake-resistant infrastructure in rural India.
3. Bhuj Earthquake (2001): Magnitude 7.7 – One of the most devastating quakes in recent history, it claimed over 20,000 lives, left more than 150,000 people injured, and destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and roads in Gujarat. The Bhuj earthquake brought to light the seismic vulnerability of western India and led to significant policy changes in disaster management.
4. Kashmir Earthquake (2005): Magnitude 7.6 – This earthquake affected northern India and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, causing widespread destruction and claiming over 80,000 lives. The aftermath saw international relief efforts, but the challenging mountainous terrain made rescue and rehabilitation difficult.
5. Sikkim Earthquake (2011): Magnitude 6.9 – This earthquake impacted northeastern India, causing landslides, damage to buildings, and disruption to infrastructure. The region’s rugged terrain further complicated rescue operations. Several bridges and roads were damaged, isolating remote villages.
India’s Earthquake Vulnerability
India’s vulnerability to earthquakes stems from its location at the junction of several tectonic plates. The Indian plate is continuously colliding with the Eurasian plate, leading to seismic activities. The country is divided into four seismic zones based on earthquake risk:
1. Zone V: Includes areas with the highest seismic risk, such as northeastern states, parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
2. Zone IV: Covers areas like Delhi, parts of Haryana, Punjab, western Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Bihar.
3. Zone III: Includes regions with moderate risk, such as the rest of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and parts of southern India.
4. Zone II: Includes areas with the least seismic risk, mainly in central and southern India.
Causing Factors for Earthquake Vulnerability:
1. Tectonic Plate Movements: The collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates creates immense pressure, leading to frequent seismic activity.
2. Fault Lines: India’s geography includes several active fault lines, such as the Himalayan Thrust Fault, the Kutch Fault, and the Narmada Fault.
3. Unplanned Urbanization: Rapid urban growth without adherence to building codes increases vulnerability.
4. Soft Soil Conditions: In certain areas, soft soil can amplify seismic waves, increasing the intensity of earthquakes.
Government Measures for Earthquake Safety:
The Indian government has taken comprehensive measures to enhance earthquake preparedness and mitigate seismic risks. These efforts aim to reduce damage, save lives, and improve public safety. Key actions include updating seismic building codes to ensure earthquake-resistant construction and retrofitting vulnerable structures like hospitals, bridges, and older buildings. Advanced early warning systems, especially in high-risk zones, offer critical seconds to evacuate or shut down essential services, minimizing casualties. Public awareness campaigns educate citizens on safety protocols, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold.”
1. Seismic Zoning and Building Codes: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed Indian Seismic Codes to ensure that buildings and infrastructure are designed to withstand seismic forces. IS 1893, IS 4326, and IS 13920 are some key codes related to earthquake-resistant construction.
2.National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The NDMA has developed guidelines for earthquake preparedness and response. It conducts regular mock drills, awareness campaigns, and training programs.
3. Earthquake Early Warning Systems (EEWS): These advanced systems aim to provide timely alerts before seismic waves hit, helping minimize the impact of earthquakes. EEWS uses seismic sensors placed near fault lines to detect the initial low-intensity tremors (P-waves) and issue alerts before the more damaging S-waves arrive. This warning can give precious seconds or minutes to evacuate buildings, stop trains, or shut down machinery, thereby reducing casualties and infrastructure damage.
4. Urban Planning and Retrofitting: Effective urban planning plays a crucial role in reducing earthquake risks by avoiding construction in high-risk seismic zones and regulating land use. This includes promoting sustainable development practices that minimize exposure to seismic hazards. Additionally, retrofitting older buildings with earthquake-resistant technology, such as base isolators and reinforced concrete, can significantly improve their ability to withstand seismic forces. Encouraging public participation in planning and awareness programs further enhances resilience at the community level, fostering a shared responsibility for earthquake safety.
5. Public Awareness and Education: Public awareness plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness, as it empowers communities with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves during earthquakes. Educational programs focused on teaching earthquake safety measures, such as the “Drop, Cover, and Hold” technique, evacuation drills, and emergency preparedness, are vital. Increased awareness helps people respond calmly and effectively during seismic events, potentially reducing casualties and property damage. Government campaigns, NGOs, and community-based organizations must collaborate to ensure the wide dissemination of safety protocols, especially in high-risk areas, to foster a culture of resilience and preparedness across all sections of society
Limitations on Earthquake Preventability
Despite extensive efforts to improve earthquake preparedness, certain inherent limitations make it challenging to completely prevent the impact of seismic events. Understanding these limitations is essential to developing more effective mitigation strategies:
1. Unpredictability of Earthquakes: One of the most significant challenges is the inability to predict the exact timing, location, and magnitude of an earthquake. While seismic monitoring can identify regions prone to earthquakes, providing real-time forecasts remains a complex task beyond current scientific capabilities.
2. Gaps in Building Code Implementation: Although seismic building codes have been established in India, their enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in rural areas and rapidly expanding urban centers. Many structures continue to be built without adhering to safety standards, making them vulnerable to seismic shocks.
3. Resource and Financial Constraints: Retrofitting older buildings, upgrading critical infrastructure, and implementing early warning systems require substantial financial investments, which can be a constraint for resource-limited regions. Additionally, technical expertise and skilled labor may not always be readily available.
4. Challenges of Rapid Urbanization: India’s rapid urbanization has led to unplanned construction, increasing the population’s exposure to seismic hazards. High population density, particularly in cities located in seismic zones, complicates evacuation and rescue operations during earthquakes.
5. Geographical Vulnerability: India’s tectonic positioning, with active fault lines such as the Himalayan thrust zones and regions near the Indo-Eurasian plate boundary, makes the country inherently susceptible to seismic activity. This geographical reality limits the extent to which seismic risks can be entirely mitigated through human interventions.
Proactive Actions to Reduce Earthquake Impacts
1. Strengthening Seismic Building Codes and Compliance
a). Reinforcing Existing Structures: Focus on retrofitting schools, hospitals, and public buildings in seismic zones to meet updated earthquake-resistant standards
b). Enforcing Strict Building Regulations: Regular monitoring and inspections should be conducted to ensure compliance with seismic building codes, especially in urban areas.
2. Promoting Land-Use Planning and Risk Mapping
a). Zoning Regulations: Develop land-use plans that avoid construction in high-risk areas, such as fault lines and soft soil regions.
b). Seismic Hazard Maps: Utilize updated seismic hazard maps to identify and prioritize vulnerable areas for focused interventions.
3. Developing Advanced Early Warning Systems
a). Real-Time Monitoring: Invest in advanced seismic monitoring stations and sensor networks to detect early tremors and provide timely warnings.
b). Public Alert Systems: Establish mass alert systems (SMS, sirens, radio alerts) to warn communities in real-time and facilitate evacuation.
4. Building Community Awareness and Preparedness
a). Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct earthquake safety drills in schools, offices, and residential neighborhoods to educate people on evacuation protocols.
b). Training First Responders: Train local volunteers, civil defense personnel, and emergency workers in search-and-rescue operations and first aid.
5. Enhancing Disaster Response and Recovery Capacity
a). Strengthening NDRF and SDRF: Equip National and State Disaster Response Forces with specialized tools, modern equipment, and rapid deployment capabilities for earthquake emergencies.
b). Emergency Shelters and Relief Centers: Establish well-equipped shelters in high-risk areas to provide immediate relief and temporary housing to affected populations.
6. Promoting Research and Development (R&D):
a). Seismic Research: Encourage research on earthquake-resistant materials, innovative construction techniques, and advanced seismic sensors.
b). Global Collaboration: Foster partnerships with international research institutions to learn from best practices in earthquake resilience and preparedness.
Prevention Strategies
While earthquakes cannot be prevented, their impact can be minimized through prevention strategies such as:
1. Earthquake-Resistant Design: Encourage the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings using flexible materials that can absorb seismic energy.
2. Hazard Mapping: Conduct detailed seismic hazard mapping to identify high-risk areas and guide land use planning.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate people on earthquake safety measures, including evacuation routes, emergency kits, and safe behavior during quakes.
4. Strengthening Emergency Services: Enhance the capacity of emergency services, such as fire brigades, paramedics, and search-and-rescue teams, to respond quickly and effectively after an earthquake.
Conclusion
Building a disaster-resilient India requires a multi-pronged approach involving strict enforcement of building codes, retrofitting vulnerable infrastructure, developing early warning systems, and enhancing community awareness and preparedness. While earthquakes cannot be prevented, proactive measures can significantly reduce their impact, saving lives and minimizing economic losses. By fostering a culture of disaster preparedness and resilience, India can better withstand the challenges posed by future earthquakes and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (Eng) 22nd March 2025
PRELIMS Questions:
Q. With reference to India’s seismic vulnerability, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. India is divided into five seismic zones based on earthquake intensity and frequency.
2. Zone V is the most seismically active and includes parts of Gujarat, the northeastern states, and the Himalayan region.
3. Soft soil conditions in certain areas can amplify seismic waves, increasing earthquake damage.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: B
MAINS Questions:
(250 words, 15 marks)
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