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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 06/03/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (06-03-2025).

Mains Question

Northeast India is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Analyze the reasons behind frequent earthquakes in the region and suggest measures to enhance earthquake preparedness and disaster resilience. (GS Paper 1 & 3: Geography, Disaster Management, Seismology)

Model Answer

Introduction

Northeast India is located in Seismic Zone V, the most earthquake-prone category in India. The region has experienced multiple high-magnitude earthquakes, including the 1897 Assam earthquake (8.1 magnitude) and 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake (8.6 magnitude). The recent series of earthquakes in the Indo-Myanmar region further highlight the urgent need for seismic preparedness and disaster mitigation measures.

Reasons Behind Frequent Earthquakes in Northeast India

1. Tectonic Plate Movements

✅ Indo-Burmese Subduction Zone:

The Indian Plate is subducting under the Burmese Plate, creating immense geological stress.
This leads to deep-focus earthquakes along the Indo-Myanmar border.

✅ Himalayan Thrust Fault System:

The Indian Plate is colliding with the Eurasian Plate, leading to continental compression and upliftment.
This generates major earthquakes across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan.

✅ Sagaing and Kopili Faults:

The Sagaing Fault (Myanmar) and Kopili Fault (Assam-Meghalaya border) are active strike-slip faults causing frequent tremors.
The Kopili Fault is linked to shallow earthquakes in Assam and Nagaland.

2. High Seismic Energy Accumulation

Due to constant tectonic stress, the region accumulates large amounts of seismic energy.
When the energy is released suddenly, it results in high-intensity earthquakes.

3. Soil Liquefaction & Riverbank Instability

The Brahmaputra and Barak river basins contain alluvial soil, which amplifies seismic waves.
Soil liquefaction occurs, leading to building collapses and land subsidence during earthquakes.

4. Unregulated Urbanization & Weak Infrastructure

Many buildings in Guwahati, Imphal, and Aizawl do not follow seismic-resistant designs.
Encroachments along riverbanks and hillslopes increase landslide risks after earthquakes.

Impact of Earthquakes in Northeast India

✅ 1. Human Casualties & Infrastructure Damage

Past earthquakes in Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram have destroyed thousands of homes.
Weak buildings in rural and hilly areas collapse easily, causing high mortality rates.

✅ 2. Economic Losses & Disruptions

Damaged roads, bridges, and railway lines disrupt trade and transport.
Industries and businesses face huge losses due to supply chain interruptions.

✅ 3. Risk to Hydropower Projects & Dams

Northeast India has several large dams, including the Subansiri and Ranganadi hydropower projects.
Earthquakes increase dam failure risks, leading to flooding disasters.

✅ 4. Landslides & Secondary Disasters

Earthquakes in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya trigger massive landslides.
Landslides block river channels, leading to artificial damming and flash floods.

Government Initiatives for Earthquake Preparedness

✅ 1. Seismic Zonation & Microzonation Mapping

The Seismological Network of India monitors active fault lines and seismic activity.
Microzonation mapping of Guwahati, Shillong, and Imphal helps identify high-risk zones.

✅ 2. Earthquake-Resistant Building Codes (BIS 1893:2016)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued guidelines for earthquake-resistant structures.
Mandatory retrofitting of old buildings in seismic zones.

✅ 3. National Disaster Response Mechanisms

NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) & SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) are deployed in high-risk areas.
Mock drills and early warning systems improve community preparedness.

✅ 4. International Collaboration & Technology Adoption

Collaboration with Japan and the US Geological Survey (USGS) for advanced earthquake monitoring.
Use of AI-based sensors for real-time earthquake detection and alert systems.

Way Forward

✅ 1. Strengthening Earthquake-Resistant Infrastructure

Enforce strict compliance with seismic-resistant building designs in urban planning.
Retrofitting old government buildings, schools, and hospitals to meet earthquake safety standards.

✅ 2. Early Warning Systems & Seismic Monitoring

Expand seismic sensor networks across Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
Implement smartphone-based earthquake alert systems, like Japan’s J-ALERT.

✅ 3. Disaster Education & Community Preparedness

Conduct mandatory earthquake drills in schools and workplaces.
Establish local disaster response teams for quick rescue operations.

✅ 4. Cross-Border Cooperation with Myanmar, Bhutan, and Bangladesh

Develop an Indo-Myanmar Earthquake Response Task Force.
Conduct joint military-civilian disaster management exercises.

Conclusion

Northeast India’s seismic vulnerability requires urgent policy action to enhance earthquake resilience, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure safety. By focusing on early warning systems, stricter urban planning, and public awareness, India can mitigate risks and reduce earthquake-related casualties and economic losses. Strengthening regional and international collaboration will further ensure a scientifically driven and proactive disaster management strategy.

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