Lok Sabha Question No. 3234 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-09
Subject: Awareness on Earthquakes
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: Sanjay(Kaka) Ramchandra Patil, Midhun Reddy, Margani Bharat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3234

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 9 TH  AUGUST, 2023

## AWARENESS ON EARTHQUAKES

## 3234.           SHRI SANJAY KAKA PATIL: SHRI P. V. MIDHUN REDDY: SHRI MARGANI BHARAT:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that over 59 per cent of the land in the country is vulnerable to moderate or severe earthquakes;
- (b) if  so,  the  steps  taken  to  raise  awareness  about  how  to  respond  during  an earthquake, including the funds spent on these efforts;
- (c) whether any study or screening has been done to determine the most earthquakevulnerable areas in India and how to safeguard them;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether the Government has taken any additional steps to improve community preparedness in vulnerable areas, such as disseminating basic first aid knowledge; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES

## (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a) Yes Sir. The entire country has been divided into four seismic zones viz., zone V (highest  seismically  active),  IV,  III  and  II  (least  seismically  active).  A  total  of ~59%  of  the  land  mass  of  India  (covering  all  states  of  India)  is  prone  to earthquakes of different shaking intensities. As per the seismic zoning map of the country, ~ 11% area of the country falls in zone V, ~17% in zone IV, ~ 31% in zone  III  and  remaining  in  zone  II.  Seismic  zoning  map  of  India  is  annexed  at Annexure-I.
- (b) The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) regularly conduct earthquake awareness campaigns and organize mock drills in collaboration with the National Disaster Response  Force  (NDRF)  for  relief  and  rehabilitation  all  across  the  country. These campaigns serve to sensitize the public about earthquake prevention and preparedness measures.
- (c) and (d)  The National Center for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has embarked on seismic hazard evaluation process known  as Seismic Microzonation. This initiative is aimed to assessing seismic risks at a localized level, specifically targeting densely populated urban areas across India. Seismic Microzonation study is important as it helps to generate inputs for constructing earthquake risk resilient buildings/infrastructures/dwellings to reduce and mitigate the impacts of earthquake shaking and for minimising the damages to structures and loss of lives  for safer urban planning. Comprehensive studies in this  regard  have  been  conducted  for  prominent  cities  like  Delhi,  Kolkata, Guwahati,  Bengaluru,  and  Gangtok.  Detailed  reports  outlining  the  findings  of these assessments are publicly accessible. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published guidelines for designing structures based on these seismic zones. The  NDMA,  NIDM  and  other  relevant  authorities  regularly  conduct  public awareness campaigns to educate people about earthquake preparedness, response, and safety measures. These campaigns include information on creating emergency kits, conducting evacuation drills, and securing furniture and heavy items within homes.
- (e) and (f) Government  enacted  the  Disaster  Management  (DM)  Act,  2005  for  holistic, integrated  and  effective  approach  for  Disaster  Management.  As  per  DM  Act 2005,  State  Government  have  prepared  their  Disaster  Management  plan  to effectively prepare, mitigate and respond to any disaster situation. Organization like  State  Disaster  Response  Force  (SDRF),  National  Disaster  Response  Force (NDRF), AapdaMitra and other first responders immediately start the Search and rescue operation during any Disaster.

## Annexure-I

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