Amit Pandey
In the past week, India has experienced a series of powerful earthquakes shaking regions from Delhi and Bihar to Ladakh and even the Arabian Sea. While earthquakes are not an anomaly in a country sitting atop tectonic plates, the alarming frequency and intensity of these tremors have left citizens and experts alike questioning the stability of the land they inhabit. With each new jolt, the public’s concerns only grow deeper, especially when the tremors come with little to no warning. For many, this renewed seismic activity is not just an earth-shaking incident, but a harbinger of something far more unsettling: a question of safety, preparedness, and accountability.
As we brace ourselves for what could come next, there’s an eerie realization that we may be haunted not only by the forces of nature but also by the forces of human negligence. Scientists and seismologists have long sounded the alarm about India’s vulnerability to earthquakes, urging governments to bolster infrastructure, improve early warning systems, and enforce stronger building regulations. Unfortunately, their warnings have often fallen on deaf ears. As the tremors grow more frequent and intense, it becomes clear that the country is ill-prepared to handle the long-term consequences of such natural disasters.
What is most alarming is not the occurrence of these earthquakes but the lack of preventive measures in place to protect citizens. Infrastructure in several parts of the country remains weak, and disaster management strategies remain rudimentary, putting people’s lives at constant risk. The administrative response has been slow, leaving many to wonder: if the scientists’ warnings had been taken seriously, would we be better equipped to face these jolts? Would there be fewer casualties and less damage to property?
In contrast, other countries have been much more proactive. Japan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is a prime example of how a nation can be prepared for seismic activity. With state-of-the-art early warning systems, earthquake-resistant buildings, and public education campaigns, Japan has minimized the human and infrastructural costs of earthquakes. Similarly, countries like Chile and New Zealand, both of which face significant seismic risks, have invested heavily in research and preparedness, ensuring the safety of their citizens. In India, however, political and administrative negligence remains a major hindrance, casting a shadow of uncertainty over our preparedness for the next big shake. As the tremors continue, the haunting question lingers: Are we truly ready for what lies ahead?
Understanding the Tectonic Forces at Play
India is situated on the Indian Plate, which is constantly moving northward at a rate of about 5 cm per year. This movement leads to regular interactions with neighboring plates, including the Eurasian Plate and the Burmese Plate. According to Dr. Rajesh Srivastava, a prominent seismologist, the frequent tremors in the past week are attributed to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. The pressure generated by this tectonic movement, particularly in seismic Zone 4 and Zone 5 areas, leads to earthquakes when the stress overcomes the friction holding the plates together.
“The Delhi-NCR region, for example, is located atop three active fault lines—Sohna, Mathura, and Delhi-Moradabad. The region has long been at risk of earthquakes due to the geological stresses imposed by the Indian Plate’s northward movement,” explains Dr. Srivastava.
The primary scientific explanation, then, lies in the geophysical dynamics of plate tectonics. The movements along the Himalayan front, subduction zones in the northeast, and the complex fault systems of central India are contributing to the heightened seismic activity. The earthquake’s epicenter in Delhi-NCR on February 17, 2025, for instance, was located along one such fault, where the earth’s crust was under immense pressure.
Geographical experts further assert that while these earthquakes are scientifically explainable, the scale and frequency have prompted discussions on preparedness and the limitations of our current infrastructure. For instance, the tremor in Bihar’s Siwan district has highlighted the vulnerability of regions in seismic Zone 4 and Zone 5, which are often poorly equipped to handle such jolts.
Weight of the Earth and Plate Dynamics
India, situated in one of the most seismically active regions in the world, faces an ongoing risk from earthquakes. The Indian subcontinent is primarily impacted by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, particularly in the Himalayan region. According to geophysical data, the Indian Plate is pushing northward at an average rate of around 5 cm per year, exerting immense pressure on the Eurasian Plate. This ongoing tectonic activity has caused frequent earthquakes in the region, with the potential for major tremors that can devastate densely populated areas.
Dr. Sushila Arora, an environmental scientist, emphasizes, “The growing weight of the Himalayan Plateau is exerting significant pressure on the surrounding areas. The shift of the Indian Plate under the Eurasian Plate is not just responsible for mountain building but also for the increased seismic activity in the region.” The constant buildup of stress along fault lines results in earthquakes. The most recent example of this seismic vulnerability was the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, which killed over 20,000 people, injured more than 167,000, and caused massive property damage.
Environmental factors, along with human activities, have intensified the seismic risk. Deforestation in the Himalayan foothills and the extraction of groundwater have reduced the natural ability of the region to absorb seismic shocks. Further, urbanization along active fault lines, particularly in the Delhi-NCR region, has exacerbated the vulnerability of major cities. The rapid growth of Delhi-NCR has often occurred with minimal regard for seismic risk. As Dr. Arora points out, the enforcement of seismic codes for construction is weak, leaving many structures ill-prepared for a large-scale earthquake.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has put in place guidelines to enhance preparedness, including enforcing seismic-resistant construction in high-risk zones and providing early-warning systems. However, the implementation of these measures remains inconsistent across the country. While India does have earthquake early warning systems in some regions, such systems are still in the nascent stages, and their reach is limited.
The threat of earthquakes in India, particularly in the Delhi-NCR region, requires pragmatic solutions. The government must not only improve enforcement of seismic construction codes but also invest in research and technology for early warning systems. Increased public awareness and careful urban planning are also vital to minimizing the damage from future seismic events.
Seismic Events and National Governance
The political response to these earthquakes has been varied. While the scientific community continues to focus on understanding the geological factors contributing to the tremors, political figures have begun to link these natural events to issues of governance and national security. Faizal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, voiced his concerns during a march organized by BPSC aspirants in Patna. He suggested that the increased seismic activity might be a signal of underlying environmental mismanagement by the government. “The government must take note of these events as part of a broader conversation about national preparedness and response to natural disasters. If proper policies and resources are not allocated toward mitigating earthquake risks, the consequences could be far-reaching, especially with the looming state elections,” Khan Sir remarked.
The discussion surrounding the 2025 earthquake series reveals much about India’s preparedness in handling natural disasters. Despite being a nation that experiences frequent seismic activity, much of India’s disaster management policy remains reactive rather than proactive. Many seismic-prone regions, such as the northeastern states, Jammu & Kashmir, and parts of Delhi, are poorly equipped to deal with even moderate earthquakes.
Politicians have also weighed in on the issue from a more strategic perspective, with some speculating that the political landscape could be reshaped by these tremors. As state elections approach, the public’s anxiety about natural disasters, particularly in earthquake-prone regions, could influence voter sentiment. The lack of effective measures to mitigate the impact of earthquakes and provide better infrastructure could become a key electoral issue.
A Call for Action and Preparedness
India’s seismic vulnerability is a complex issue that requires attention from all sectors of society—scientific, political, and environmental. The increased frequency of earthquakes in the past week should serve as a wake-up call for the country, urging both the government and the public to recognize the risks and take immediate action. Seismologists and geologists agree that, while tectonic forces will continue to shape the Indian subcontinent, it is up to policymakers to ensure that the nation is prepared to face these natural disasters. Improved building standards, better emergency response systems, and increased public awareness are all necessary steps to mitigate the impact of future seismic events.
Experts also urge political leaders to make disaster preparedness a priority in their agendas, especially with the upcoming elections in mind. If the government continues to ignore the importance of mitigating seismic risks, it may face the wrath of the youth and the electorate, who are becoming increasingly aware of the threats posed by such natural calamities.
while earthquakes are an inevitable part of India’s geological makeup, the country’s ability to withstand them depends on the concerted efforts of both the government and the public to adapt, prepare, and respond effectively. With the weight of the Himalayan Plateau pressing down on India’s seismic zones, the country must take immediate steps to safeguard its future.
( Author is Managing Editor of The Emerging World)
