India is a country that is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the Indian plate, which is constantly moving and colliding with the Eurasian plate. As a result, the country is divided into several earthquake zones based on the level of seismic activity in each area.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has classified India into four seismic zones, namely Zone II, III, IV, and V. Zone V is the most vulnerable to earthquakes, while Zone II is the least vulnerable.
Zone II covers parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the northeastern states. This zone experiences earthquakes with a magnitude of up to 5.0 on the Richter scale.
Zone III covers parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Goa, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This zone experiences earthquakes with a magnitude of up to 6.0 on the Richter scale.
Zone IV covers parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This zone experiences earthquakes with a magnitude of up to 7.0 on the Richter scale.
Zone V covers parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This zone experiences earthquakes with a magnitude of more than 7.0 on the Richter scale.
The seismic activity in each zone depends on various factors such as the type of rock formations, fault lines, and tectonic activity. For instance, the Himalayan region is highly prone to earthquakes due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
To mitigate the impact of earthquakes, the government has implemented various measures such as building codes and guidelines for earthquake-resistant construction. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has also been involved in the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings and infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
In conclusion, India is a country that is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the Indian plate. The classification of seismic zones based on the level of seismic activity is an important tool for disaster management and mitigation efforts. It is essential for the government and other stakeholders to continue investing in measures to reduce the impact of earthquakes on people and infrastructure.
