The Indian subcontinent is one of the most earthquake prone regions of the world. In the last few decades, India has witnessed many devastating earthquakes e.g. Kashmir 2005, Gujarat 2001 and Uttarkashi 1991, which caused significant loss of human life as well as physical infrastructure.

India’s vulnerability to earthquakes

• Huge area prone to Earthquake: An Earthquake Disaster Risk Index (EDRI), prepared by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), showed that about 56% area of India is vulnerable to moderate to major earthquakes where about 82% of the population live. About 12% of the land is liable to severe earthquake shaking.
• Geographical location: The reasons for high magnitude earthquakes in India are hidden in the tectonic setting of India. The Indian plate is pushing against the Eurasian plate at a rate of approximately 45 mm/year and rotating slowly anticlockwise. The entire Himalayan Region is considered to be vulnerable to high intensity earthquakes as it lies at the boundary of two converging plates.
• Human-induced seismicity: Vulnerability to earthquakes increases due to several human actions such as
  • Construction of unscientific dams, mining, water reservoir impoundment and power projects in areas prone to earthquakes.
  • Inadequate attention to earthquake resistant construction standards in vulnerable areas. For instance, the proposed Pancheshwar dam project on the India-Nepal border is a large-scale project in the geologically sensitive Himalayan area.
• Indirect vulnerabilities: The earthquakes also have some serious and far-reaching consequences. For example, earthquakes are also responsible for landslides, soil liquefaction and other calamities in the affected areas.

Measures for better resilience to earthquakes

• Earthquake zone blueprint: There is a need to prepare a vulnerability map of the country based on different intensities of earthquakes. The vulnerability risk information should be disseminated among the people and they should be educated about the ways and means of minimising the adverse impacts of disasters.
• Monitoring and identifying the gaps in the existing seismic risk assessment methods: Establishing earthquake monitoring centres (seismological centres) for regular monitoring in the vulnerable areas. Use of Geographical Positioning System (GPS) can be of great help in monitoring the movement of tectonic plates.
• Prioritizing Action Plan: Prioritize the cities and regions based on the severity of risk for implementing mitigation programs using the EDRI model. There is a need for formal training among professionals in earthquake-resistant construction practices.
• Earthquake-proof planning and design of buildings: Make it mandatory to adopt earthquake-resistant designs in the vulnerable areas. There should be proper monitoring and enforcement of earthquake-resistant building codes and town planning by-laws.
• Technological solution: The new technological solution must be adopted to make houses earthquakes resilient as well as predicting patterns of earthquake occurrences.
• Periodical drills & awareness: Disaster like earthquakes cannot be preempted and hence people should be ready to handle any kind of situation. This is possible if periodic drills and mock exercises are conducted. People’s participation, cooperation and awareness are the key to success.

Unlike other disasters, it is not possible to prevent the occurrence of earthquakes; hence, the only Olution to minimise loss of lives and properties is effective disaster preparedness and mitigation gainst them. It is thus necessary to empower communities to ensure the seismic safety of the built mvironment by encouraging the use of simple, easy and affordable technical solutions and stitutional arrangements.

The recent locust attacks in and around India have been driven by a combination of factors, posing significant threats to agricultural production and food security. Here are the reasons behind these locust attacks, the threats they pose, and the steps taken by India to tackle this challenge:

Reasons behind the Locust Attacks:

1. Favorable Weather Conditions: The heavy rainfall and cyclonic activity in the region, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, have created ideal breeding conditions for locusts, leading to their rapid multiplication and subsequent migration.
2. Climate Change: The changing climate patterns, including the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, have contributed to the creation of favorable environments for locust breeding and proliferation.
3. Cross-Border Movement: The locust swarms have originated in regions such as Yemen, Somalia, and Ethiopia, and their cross-border movement has facilitated their spread to neighboring countries, including India and Pakistan.

Threats Posed by the Locust Attacks:

1. Crop Damage: Locust swarms can devour large quantities of crops, posing a significant threat to food production and agricultural livelihoods, particularly for small-scale and subsistence farmers.
2. Food Security Concerns: The widespread destruction of crops can lead to food shortages and price fluctuations, jeopardizing the food security of affected communities and regions.
3. Economic Impacts: The damage to agricultural sectors can have cascading effects on local and regional economies, affecting industries, employment, and overall economic stability.
4. Ecosystem Disruption: Locust infestations can disrupt the balance of local ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and the overall ecological equilibrium.

Steps Taken by India to Tackle the Locust Threat:

1. Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: India has enhanced its locust monitoring and early warning systems, utilizing satellite imagery, drones, and field-level monitoring to detect and track the movement of locust swarms.
2. Coordinated Response: The Indian government has established a coordinated response mechanism, involving various ministries and agencies, to plan and implement control measures across affected regions.
3. Locust Control Operations: India has deployed specialized equipment, such as sprayers and pesticides, to conduct large-scale locust control operations, targeting the breeding grounds and migratory routes of the insects.
4. Capacity Building and International Cooperation: India is working with international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to enhance its technical capabilities and share best practices in locust management.
5. Awareness and Preparedness: The government has launched public awareness campaigns to educate farmers and communities about the locust threat and the steps they can take to mitigate the impact.
6. Research and Innovation: India is investing in research and the development of innovative solutions, such as eco-friendly pesticides and biological control methods, to combat the locust menace more effectively.