PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Earthquake Vulnerability and Steps taken to Mitigate the Risk

**Executive Summary** This report details the Indian government's scientific initiatives and risk mitigation strategies concerning earthquake vulnerability, as submitted to the Lok Sabha on March 25, 2026. It highlights the expansion of seismic monitoring infrastructure, the implementation of the PRITHVI umbrella scheme, and targeted urban microzonation studies. The primary goal is to enhance disaster response and public safety through modernized information dissemination and inter-agency capacity building. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Seismic Monitoring and Research** * Continuous monitoring of seismic activity is conducted via the National Seismological Network (NSN), which currently consists of 169 observatories. * Scientific studies focus on earthquake source parameters, seismic hazard assessments, crustal deformation, and fault mapping. * Advanced research is supported in fields such as paleoseismology and earthquake precursor studies to better understand seismic occurrences. * **Funding and Scheme Implementation** * Budgetary provisions are managed through the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under various central sector schemes. * Earthquake-related studies are specifically supported under the "Seismology and Geosciences" component of the PRITHVI umbrella scheme. * Dedicated funds are allocated for strengthening seismic networks, microzonation studies, and institutional capacity building. * **Risk Mitigation and Public Safety** * The NSN is undergoing expansion and modernization to improve the speed and accuracy of earthquake information dissemination to the public and stakeholders. * Seismic hazard microzonation is being prioritized for major cities located in high-seismic zones to facilitate better risk assessment and urban mitigation planning. * Collaborative efforts for training and public awareness are led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), and State Governments. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and National Centre for Seismology (NCS)** **Impact** These bodies are the primary agencies responsible for the technical execution of seismic monitoring and the modernization of the National Seismological Network. **Action Required** They must continue the expansion of the observatory network, conduct specialized research (such as fault mapping), and ensure the timely dissemination of earthquake data. **Stakeholder: NDMA, NIDM, and State Governments** **Impact** These entities are responsible for translating scientific data into actionable safety measures and community preparedness. **Action Required** They are required to execute capacity-building initiatives, conduct training programs, and lead public awareness campaigns to reduce local vulnerability. **Stakeholder: General Public and Urban Planners in High-Seismic Zones** **Impact** Residents and planners in targeted cities benefit from refined seismic hazard microzonation data, which informs safer construction and disaster response. **Action Required** Stakeholders in these regions must utilize microzonation studies for mitigation planning and participate in government-led awareness and training initiatives.

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