Earthquake Belts in India

1. Himalayan Belt: The Himalayan Belt is one of the most seismically active regions in India due to the ongoing tectonic collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This belt includes states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. For example, the 2015 Nepal earthquake, which affected parts of northern India, highlighted the seismic risks in this region.

2. North-Eastern Belt: The North-Eastern Belt is another major seismic zone encompassing Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. This region is prone to earthquakes due to the complex tectonic settings involving the Indian Plate, Burmese Plate, and China Plate. The 2004 Manipur earthquake and the 2011 Sikkim earthquake are significant examples.

3. Kutch Belt: The Kutch Belt in Gujarat is an active seismic region due to the movement of the Indian Plate along the Kutch Rift Zone. The 2001 Bhuj earthquake was a major event in this belt, causing widespread damage and loss of life.

4. Western Ghats and Coastal Areas: The Western Ghats and coastal regions like Mumbai and Goa experience lower seismic activity compared to other belts but are still vulnerable to occasional seismic events. The 1993 Latur earthquake, which affected Maharashtra, demonstrates the potential for significant seismic activity outside the major belts.

5. Peninsular India: Peninsular India is relatively less seismically active but can experience low to moderate earthquakes, particularly in regions like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The 1967 Koynanagar earthquake in Maharashtra is a notable example.

Conclusion: India’s earthquake belts are primarily concentrated in the Himalayan region, North-East, and parts of Gujarat, with varying degrees of seismic activity. Understanding these belts helps in disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts to minimize the impact of earthquakes.