What are the primary geophysical causes of earthquakes in the Indian subcontinent? How do anthropogenic activities contribute to seismic risk? Assess India’s preparedness in mapping and monitoring high-risk zones.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Disaster management
Topic: Disaster management
Q1. What are the primary geophysical causes of earthquakes in the Indian subcontinent? How do anthropogenic activities contribute to seismic risk? Assess India’s preparedness in mapping and monitoring high-risk zones. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question India lies in one of the most active seismic zones of the world, and recent quakes in Nepal, Assam and Himalayan states have highlighted both natural and human-induced vulnerabilities, making earthquake preparedness a pressing concern. Key Demand of the question The question asks to explain the geophysical causes of earthquakes in India, examine how human activities aggravate seismic risks, and assess India’s current mapping and monitoring mechanisms for high-risk zones. Structure of the Answer Introduction Briefly highlight India’s tectonic collision with Eurasia and its high seismic vulnerability. Body Geophysical causes: Plate collision in the Himalayas, intraplate activity in peninsular India, subduction along Indo-Burma arc, and active fault systems. Anthropogenic activities: Reservoir-induced seismicity, mining and hydrocarbon extraction, unplanned urbanisation in fragile zones, and mega-projects in the Himalayas. Preparedness: Seismic zoning maps, microzonation of major cities, BIS building codes, NDMA and NERMP initiatives, and use of satellite/AI-based monitoring. Conclusion Point towards strengthening a technology-driven, community-inclusive, and multi-hazard approach for future seismic resilience.
Why the question
India lies in one of the most active seismic zones of the world, and recent quakes in Nepal, Assam and Himalayan states have highlighted both natural and human-induced vulnerabilities, making earthquake preparedness a pressing concern.
Key Demand of the question
The question asks to explain the geophysical causes of earthquakes in India, examine how human activities aggravate seismic risks, and assess India’s current mapping and monitoring mechanisms for high-risk zones.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction Briefly highlight India’s tectonic collision with Eurasia and its high seismic vulnerability.
• Geophysical causes: Plate collision in the Himalayas, intraplate activity in peninsular India, subduction along Indo-Burma arc, and active fault systems.
• Anthropogenic activities: Reservoir-induced seismicity, mining and hydrocarbon extraction, unplanned urbanisation in fragile zones, and mega-projects in the Himalayas.
• Preparedness: Seismic zoning maps, microzonation of major cities, BIS building codes, NDMA and NERMP initiatives, and use of satellite/AI-based monitoring.
Conclusion Point towards strengthening a technology-driven, community-inclusive, and multi-hazard approach for future seismic resilience.