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Q. “North East India is well-equipped to deal with the consequences of a mega earthquake.” Analyze the statement with special reference to Assam.
- 14,Sep 2024
- Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
- 0 Comments
- APSC2023
- GS1
North-East India, particularly Assam, lies in a seismically active zone, classified as Zone V, which indicates a very high risk of earthquakes. The high magnitude earthquakes of the past (such as 1897 and 1950 Assam earthquakes) make earthquake preparedness a key aspect of sustainable development.
Analysis of Preparedness and Resilience
Positives
A. Improvement in Infrastructure Resilience:
- Earthquake-Resistant Designs: New construction projects, particularly in urban centers like Guwahati, increasingly follow the guidelines of the National Building Code (NBC), which includes standards for earthquake-resistant structures.
- Retrofitting Initiatives: The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has initiated retrofitting programs for critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and government buildings, to enhance their earthquake resilience.
B. Comprehensive Disaster Management Framework
- ASDMA: The Assam State Disaster Management Authority plays a central role in coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery across the state. It organizes regular mock drills, community awareness campaigns, and capacity-building workshops for various stakeholders.
- National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): Assam’s disaster management strategies are aligned with the NDMP, which provides a structured approach to disaster risk reduction, including earthquake preparedness.
C. Early Warning Systems
- Seismic Monitoring Networks: The region benefits from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) and its seismic monitoring systems, which provide early warnings and real-time data on seismic activity.
- Earthquake Early Warning Systems: Initiatives like the Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system have been implemented in some parts of the North-East, offering critical time for emergency responses.
D. Increased Community Awareness and Participation
- Public Awareness Programs: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and ASDMA conduct extensive public awareness campaigns, including school safety programs and community-based disaster management training.
- Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM): Programs like CBDRM, facilitated by NGOs and ASDMA, involve local volunteers in disaster preparedness activities, ensuring that communities are better equipped to respond to earthquakes.
E. Government Policies and Investments
- National Building Code (NBC): The government encourages the adoption of the NBC to ensure that new constructions are earthquake-resistant. Compliance with the NBC is being enforced more strictly in urban areas.
- Investments in Resilience: Significant government investment has been made in enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) are also promoting the construction of safer housing, particularly in earthquake-prone areas.
Negatives
A. Vulnerability of Existing Infrastructure
- Old Infrastructure: Much of Assam’s infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is old and does not comply with modern seismic standards. Many residential and commercial buildings lack the earthquake-resistant features required by the National Building Code (NBC).
- Slow Retrofitting Process: Although retrofitting programs are in place, progress is slow due to limited funding and logistical challenges. Many private structures have not been retrofitted, partly due to a lack of awareness and the high costs involved.
B. Challenges in Disaster Response
- Logistical Issues: Assam’s challenging terrain, including its hilly and flood-prone areas, poses significant challenges for disaster response efforts. These issues can delay the deployment of rescue teams and the delivery of relief supplies.
- Coordination Challenges: Despite the presence of institutions like ASDMA, coordination between various agencies, especially during a large-scale disaster, can be inconsistent. This may lead to delays and inefficiencies in disaster response.
C. Limited Awareness and Preparedness in Rural Areas
- Rural Vulnerabilities: Awareness and preparedness levels are generally lower in remote and rural areas, where access to information and disaster management resources is limited. Programs like CBDRM are being implemented but have not yet reached all vulnerable communities.
- Slow Information Dissemination: The dissemination of disaster preparedness information is often slower in rural areas, leaving these communities more vulnerable during an earthquake.
D. Environmental and Geographical Vulnerabilities
- Secondary Disasters: Assam’s geography, characterized by hilly terrain and dense forests, increases the risk of secondary disasters like landslides and floods, which can be triggered by earthquakes. These factors complicate disaster management efforts.
- Limited Mitigation Measures: Although landslide and flood mapping initiatives are being conducted by agencies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the implementation of effective mitigation measures is limited by the region’s complex terrain.
E. Implementation Gaps in Policies
- Inconsistent Enforcement of Building Codes: While the National Building Code (NBC) provides guidelines for earthquake-resistant construction, enforcement is inconsistent, particularly in private and rural constructions. This leaves many buildings vulnerable to earthquake damage.
- Policy Implementation: While Assam has a strong policy framework for disaster management, including alignment with the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP), the actual implementation of these policies at the grassroots level remains uneven. More stringent enforcement and better resource allocation are needed to ensure comprehensive preparedness.
Assam and the broader North-East region have made significant strides in disaster preparedness and resilience against earthquakes. While there is a strong policy framework, growing public awareness, and some infrastructure improvements, significant gaps remain in the implementation.Therefore, more comprehensive efforts are needed to fully equip the region to deal with the consequences of a mega earthquake.
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