Quakes may well sharpen India’s seismic readiness

The earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria, with a magnitude of 7.8, resulted in widespread devastation, claiming at least 17,000 lives. This has drawn attention to the fault lines in the region and the vulnerabilities in seismic zones, including India. Earthquakes in the Himalayan region, linked to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, pose a significant risk for India, necessitating urgent preparedness and mitigation measures.

Fault Lines and Earthquake Risks

• Fault Line Dynamics: Fault lines, formed by tectonic plate movements, lie beneath Earth’s surface and can cause devastating earthquakes when they shift. These lines remain dormant for extended periods before triggering catastrophic events, as seen in the Türkiye-Syria earthquake.
• Himalayan Seismic Risk: The Indian Plate’s collision with the Eurasian Plate has created fault lines stretching from Kashmir to the North-East, impacting areas in Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. This region is particularly vulnerable to large-scale earthquakes.
• Seismic Activity in India: Recent seismic events, including a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Tibet in January 2025, highlighted the cross-border impact of earthquakes. The tremors were felt in Nepal and northern India, underscoring the imminent danger faced by India’s seismic risk zones.

Infrastructure Vulnerabilities and Preparedness

• Fragility of Himalayan Infrastructure: Infrastructure development in the Himalayan region, such as hydropower projects and dams, is increasingly susceptible to earthquakes, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts. These factors must be considered in planning to prevent catastrophic damage.
• Adherence to Building Codes: Existing building codes in seismic zones are crucial but insufficient in mitigating earthquake damage. The recent tremors in Delhi and Bihar revealed the inadequacy of current structures in withstanding strong quakes.
• Disaster Preparedness and State Role: The Indian government must take decisive action to improve disaster preparedness, including implementing seismic-resistant infrastructure and providing public support for earthquake insurance schemes. State-driven initiatives will be vital in minimizing damage during future seismic events.

Urgent Action and Planning for Seismic Resilience

• Seismic Zonation and Engineering Controls: India must urgently revise seismic zonation maps and roll back engineering projects that weaken the earth’s crust, particularly in high-risk zones. Vulnerable structures must be identified and retrofitted or rebuilt to withstand seismic shocks.
• Collaboration and Research: Collaboration with global experts on earthquake prediction and mitigation technologies is essential. Investments in seismic sensors and advanced building techniques must be fast-tracked to enhance preparedness.
• Comprehensive Risk Management: A comprehensive seismic risk management plan should include not just infrastructure improvements but also the creation of emergency response systems, insurance schemes, and rehabilitation plans for affected populations. This proactive approach can help minimize both human and financial costs.

Practice Question:

Q. India's seismic vulnerability, particularly in the Himalayan region, calls for urgent and strategic action. Discuss the challenges in managing earthquake risks and suggest measures for improving preparedness and infrastructure resilience.