{"id":958,"date":"2024-04-23T11:11:14","date_gmt":"2024-04-23T11:11:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=958"},"modified":"2026-02-11T19:19:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T19:19:04","slug":"paper-ii-general-studies-i-indian-heritage-and-culture-history-and-geography-of-the-world-and-society-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/paper-ii-general-studies-i-indian-heritage-and-culture-history-and-geography-of-the-world-and-society-2\/","title":{"rendered":"PAPER-II General Studies-I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones etc.,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q1. How can India adopt earthquake readiness from the seismic zone countries around the world, especially in building safer structures and enforcing seismic codes, given its infrastructure expansion in seismic regions like the Himalayas with recent examples?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earthquakes are confined to specific geographic zones, a phenomenon elucidated by plate tectonics. The Earth’s lithosphere, comprising 15 large plates, <\/strong>undergoes perpetual movement<\/strong>, leading to concentrated seismic activity, notably at convergent plate boundaries <\/strong>such as the Himalayas, formed by the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
In the past two decades, significant earthquakes hit various regions worldwide, revealing tectonic similarities, as evidenced by Taiwan’s recent quake of 7.4 magnitude.<\/strong>
Seismic zones of the world:<\/strong>
\u25cf The most important earthquake belt is the Circum-Pacific Belt, <\/strong>which affects many populated coastal regions around the Pacific Ocean\u2014for example, those of New Zealand, New Guinea, Japan, Taiwan, the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, and the western coasts of North and South America<\/strong>. The Pacific Ring of Fire accounts for about 68 per cent of all earthquakes.<\/strong>
\u25cf Alpine Belt (Himalayas and Alps)<\/strong>: The Mid Continental Belt (Alpine Belt)<\/strong> extends parallel to the equator from Mexico across the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea from Alpine-Caucasus ranges to the Caspian, Himalayan mountains and the adjoining lands.
\u25cf Mid-Atlantic Ridge:<\/strong> including those in the Arctic Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the western Indian Ocean\u2014and along the rift valleys of East Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earthquake zone in India:<\/strong>
\u25cf Over 59 %<\/strong> of India\u2019s land area is under threat of moderate to severe earthquakes.
\u25cf The Bureau of Indian Standard<\/strong>s, based on the past seismic history, divided the country into four seismic zones, viz. Zone II, III, IV and V<\/strong>.
\u25cf Zone V<\/strong> is the most seismically active region which is the Himalayas.<\/strong>
Earthquake in Himalayas:<\/strong>
\u25cf Nepal Earthquake Aftershocks (2015):<\/strong> Following the devastating earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015, numerous aftershocks were felt in India, particularly in regions bordering Nepal, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
\u25cf On April 4, 2024, Manali in Himachal Pradesh<\/strong> experienced a magnitude 5.3 earthquake.
Infrastructure problems in Himalayas:<\/strong>
\u25cf India’s infrastructure expansion in tectonically unstable <\/strong>regions, like the Himalayas, often disregards ecological norms.
\u25cf Construction codes:<\/strong> There is a lack of adherence to mountain construction codes and basic safety protocols.
\u25cf Carrying capacity: <\/strong>The broader issue of carrying capacity needs to be addressed, including hydropower projects, tourism, and road development.
\u25cf Joshimath:<\/strong> In January 2023, cracks suddenly spread over hundreds of buildings in Joshimath,<\/strong> India, and they started sinking into the ground.
Taiwan earthquake:<\/strong>
\u25cf In the Taiwan region, the Philippine Sea plate<\/strong> moves north-westward towards the Eurasian plate at approximately 7.8 cm per year.
\u25cf Despite similar magnitudes, the 2024 Hualien earthquake <\/strong>caused minimal damage<\/strong> compared to the 1999 quake.<\/strong>
\u25cf Taiwan’s stringent building codes and administrative reforms post-1999<\/strong> significantly reduced casualties and infrastructure damage.
The Taiwan earthquake offers crucial lessons to India:<\/strong>
\u25cf Taiwan boasts advanced earthquake preparedness globally.<\/strong>
\u25cf It has the most sophisticated earthquake-monitoring network<\/strong> and early warning systems.<\/strong>
\u25cf Public awareness campaigns and drills<\/strong> have enhanced understanding of earthquake risks.
\u25cf The government regularly updates earthquake safety requirements for buildings.<\/strong>
\u25cf Incentives <\/strong>are provided for residents to improve building quake resistance.
\u25cf Scientific assessments<\/strong> determine shaking severity in each location.
\u25cf Specific seismic codes<\/strong> and construction norms are devised accordingly.
\u25cf Taiwan utilises modern technologies like seismic dampers and base isolation systems.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Way forward:<\/strong> India must prioritise earthquake safety amid infrastructural growth, especially in seismic regions like the Himalayas. Key lessons from Taiwan include strict adherence to seismic codes, constructing resilient structures, and addressing enforcement gaps. Tailored seismic designs and promoting earthquake-resistant traditional architecture are crucial steps forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source The Hindu
https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_chennai\/issues\/80355\/OPS\/GD4CN5535.1+G7PCN5FJT.1.html<\/a><\/p>\n