Question : EARTHQUAKE PRONE AREA

(a) whether there is an alarming rise in the sea of Indian coast;

(b) if so, whether our scientists have studied this unusual phenomena and its possible bill effects on the Indian continent;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the average temperature of global oceans had increased contributing to the sea rise;

(e) whether around 70 cities in India including New Delhi and Bangalore have been under earthquake micro-zonation; and

(f) if so, the details thereof inter-alia indicating the action plan of the Government to pre-warn the citizens of the country about any kind of impending dangers as a result therof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTRY OF THE EARTH SCIENCES, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE, MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) & (c) Analysis of past tide gauge records for the Indian coastline regions gives an estimate of sea level rise of 1.30 mm/year. It is projected that Indian coastline may experience higher sea level rise in the later part of 21st century which can increase the vulnerability of the coastal zones.

(d) Average temperature of global oceans has risen by about 0.5o C over the last 50-years. However, the increase in sea level rise may not be attributable only to rise in ocean temperatures.

(e) Seismic micro-zonation studies have been carried out for 14 cities in the country including New Delhi and Bangalore.

(f) National level coordination mechanism has been put in place by the Ministry of Home Affairs to address the issues related to seismic risk mitigation in the country to minimize the damage due to earthquake. Suitable provisions have been made in National Building Code and the States have been advised to incorporate the provisions of National Building Code in their respective building codes and town planning norms.