Q. Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades.

Model Answer: 

India is highly vulnerable to seismic hazards, with over 59% of its landmass officially classified into moderate to very severe seismic zones (BIS Zones II to V).

1. Drivers of India’s Seismic Vulnerability

• Tectonic Setting: The continuous under-thrusting of the Indian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate creates massive strain, making the entire Himalayan belt highly active (Zone V).
• Intra-Plate Seismicity: Fault re-activations within the traditionally stable Peninsular shield (e.g., Narmada-Son lineament) generate unexpected tremors.
• Systemic Fragility: High population density coupled with non-engineered, masonry-heavy built environments drastically amplifies casualty risks.

2. Major Earthquakes (Last 3 Decades) & Salient Features

• Latur, Maharashtra (1993): A rare, severe intra-plate earthquake. Features: Shallow focus leading to high surface intensity; massive fatalities caused primarily by the collapse of unreinforced stone-masonry rural housing.
• Bhuj, Gujarat (2001): Reactivation of hidden fault lines. Features: Widespread soil liquefaction, structural “pancaking” of urban high-rises, and catastrophic economic destruction.
• Kashmir (2005) & Sikkim (2011): Driven by Himalayan thrust activity. Features: Triggered severe secondary hazards (massive landslides, avalanches, flash floods), which severely hampered remote rescue operations.

Mitigating seismic risks necessitates shifting from reactive relief to proactive preparedness through strict enforcement of the National Building Code, seismic micro-zonation, and structural retrofitting per NDMA Guidelines.