Major Key Points
| Key Points | Details |
| Earthquake Prone Areas | 59% of India is vulnerable to earthquakes. |
| Recent Seismic Activity | 159 earthquakes were recorded from November 2024 to February 2025. |
| Major Seismic Event | A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Delhi on 17th February 2025. |
| Disaster Management Act, 2005 | Led to the formation of NDMA, NDRF, and SDMAs. |
| Seismic Observatories Expansion | The count has risen from 80 in 2014 to 168 by February 2025. |
| Technological Advancements | BhooKamp app launched for real-time earthquake updates. |
| Risk Assessment Initiative | NDMA’s EDRI project evaluates earthquake risks in 50 cities, with 16 more planned. |
India is actively working to strengthen its earthquake preparedness through key policies, safety guidelines, and the development of early warning systems.
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) March 22, 2025
Government agencies along with public awareness campaigns play a vital role in educating citizens and reducing risks. When… pic.twitter.com/Pfluf5lqrU
As per PIB, India has witnessed multiple earthquakes in recent years, emphasising the need for robust disaster preparedness. Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth's crust. When an earthquake strikes a populated region, it can cause severe damage. Approximately 59% of India is earthquake-prone, classified into four seismic zones by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
| Seismic Zone | Risk Level | Major Areas |
| Zone V | Highly active | Himalayan region, North-East, Kutch, Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Zone IV | High | Delhi, parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh |
| Zone III | Moderate | Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala |
| Zone II | Low | Deccan Plateau, Central India |
India has experienced devastating earthquakes, highlighting the importance of preparedness.
Major Earthquakes in India
Between November 2024 and February 2025, India recorded 159 earthquakes, raising concerns about future risks.
| Year | Location | Magnitude | Casualties |
| 1905 | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh | 8.0 | 19,800 |
| 2001 | Bhuj, Gujarat | 7.9 | 12,932 |
| 2025 | Delhi (Latest) | 4.0 | No major casualties |
What are the government initiatives for earthquake safety?
To ensure safety regarding earthquakes, the Indian government has started many initiatives that are given below in detail:
1. Infrastructure and Technology Enhancements
- Increase in Seismic Observatories: Expanded from 80 (2014) to 168 (2025).
- BhooKamp App: Provides real-time earthquake alerts to users.
- Earthquake Early Warning System (EEW): Research and implementation underway in the Himalayan region.
2. Awareness and Policy Framework
- Aapda Ka Samna (2025): In March 2025, the NDMA broadcasted the public awareness program about disaster preparedness on Doordarshan.
- Simplified Earthquake Safety Guidelines (2021): Ensures safer infrastructure as per the Building Code of India.
- Home Owner’s Guide (2019): Educates citizens on constructing earthquake-resistant homes.
3. Disaster Risk Reduction Measures
- 10-Point Agenda (2016): Proposed by PM Modi, aligning with Vision Document 2047 for a disaster-resilient India.
- Himalayan Earthquake Preparedness: Implemented early warning systems and disaster response plans.
- Risk Transfer Mechanism: Infrastructure insurance policies for earthquake damage coverage.
4. International Humanitarian Assistance
Following the 2023 Turkiye-Syria earthquake, India extended aid under ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, deploying:
- NDRF Teams
- Medical Personnel
- Essential Relief Supplies
How are government agencies preparing for an earthquake?
Many agencies like NDRF, NCS, NDMA, SDMA’s, and NIDM are performing their roles and responsibilities for safety toward earthquakes. Below in the table, all agency roles and responsibilities are given in detail:
| Agency | Role and Responsibilities |
| National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) | Established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, it expanded from 8 to 16 Battalions. Specialises in rapid disaster response. |
| National Centre for Seismology (NCS) | Manages India's earthquake monitoring since 1898. Researches early warning systems. |
| National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) | Created in 2005, headed by the PM. Sets policies for disaster management. |
| State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) | Led by Chief Ministers, responsible for state-level disaster plans. |
| National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) | Established in 1995 for training, research, and skill-building in disaster response. |
Earthquake Safety and Research Initiatives
1. Guidelines for Earthquake Safety
- Home Owner's Guide (2019): Guides citizens in earthquake-resistant home construction.
- Simplified Guidelines (2021): Offers safety standards for new and multi-storey constructions.
2. Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) System
- Research is underway in Himalayan regions.
- NCS records seismic activity and shares real-time updates online.
3. Earthquake Risk Indexing (EDRI)
- NDMA’s EDRI Project assesses seismic risks in Indian cities.
- Phase I covered 50 cities, and Phase II aims to include 16 more.
Conclusion
India is actively working toward strengthening its earthquake preparedness by implementing key policies, safety measures, and early warning systems. Government agencies, public awareness campaigns, and robust infrastructure initiatives play a crucial role in disaster resilience. While these efforts improve safety, citizens must remain vigilant and follow disaster preparedness guidelines to mitigate future risks.
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