Recent Event Triggering Debate

• A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Delhi on July 10, 2025, exposing the fragility of urban infrastructure.
• 80%+ buildings in Delhi pre-date the year 2000 and don’t comply with modern seismic codes.

 Tectonic Context

• India’s seismic risk arises from the northward drift of the Indian Plate colliding with the Eurasian Plate, fueling Himalayan seismicity.
• Potential for a “Great Himalayan Earthquake” (>8.0 magnitude) threatens 300 million people in northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Challenges in Seismic Preparedness

 Urban Risk Factors

• Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV (high risk) with PGA of 0.24g.
• Old, unreinforced buildings, liquefaction-prone soils, and poor enforcement increase urban vulnerability.
• IndiaQuake App exists but public awareness and response remain weak.

 Seismic Zones Across India

• High-risk areas: Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram (Zone V), Andaman & Nicobar, Northeast, and Himalayan belt.
• Even distant global events (e.g., Greece, Myanmar) highlight India’s vulnerability due to tectonic linkages.

Action Points for India

 Structural Resilience

• Enforce BIS 1893:2016
• Encourage retrofitting, steel jacketing, deep pile foundations in vulnerable zones.
• Use floodplain controls (e.g., Guwahati, Kutch) to prevent liquefaction.

Governance & Monitoring

• Form committees at district, state, and national levels.
• Use real-time monitoring and expand early warning systems to rural and vulnerable areas.

Global Best Practices

• Emulate Bangkok’s seismic codes and Japan’s ductile design standards.
• Invest ₹50,000 crore in retrofitting in vulnerable districts.

Conclusion

• With seismic activity increasing globally, India needs urgent seismic resilience planning, public education, and code enforcement.
• A national dialogue on seismic safety is essential to prevent future disasters.