India's strengthened disaster preparedness: Approach to earthquake resilience

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Expansion of seismic observatories and monitoring

The Minister highlighted a remarkable increase in seismic observatories across the country. In 2014, India had only 80 observatories, whereas today, this number has grown to 168-an expansion that surpasses the progress made in the previous seven decades. This advancement significantly strengthens India's ability to monitor and respond to earthquakes with greater accuracy and efficiency.

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As part of India's disaster risk reduction strategy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a 10-point agenda in 2016, further integrating it into the Vision Document 2047, which aims for an earthquake-resilient nation. Many missions and schemes launched within the first 100 days of Modi Government 3.0 focus on technological advancements and regional development. Notable initiatives include:

• 'Mission Mausam' under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• A Semiconductor Development Mission to boost technological capabilities.
• A ₹1,000 crore allocation for space startups, emphasizing innovation-driven resilience.

Risk transfer mechanism and infrastructure insurance

Dr. Jitendra Singh also addressed infrastructure insurance against earthquake-related damage. The Risk Transfer Mechanism assesses disaster-induced losses and ensures comprehensive insurance coverage. Guidelines have been established to facilitate this mechanism, and relevant agencies are tasked with enforcing strict adherence.

Commitment to a disaster-resilient India

The Minister reiterated the government's dedication to enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience nationwide. By leveraging advanced technology, stringent policy measures, and widespread public awareness campaigns, India is taking proactive steps to mitigate earthquake risks and ensure the safety of its citizens and infrastructure.