Destructive catastrophe in Japan raises a practical question “Is India Earthquake prone?” Undoubtedly , the answer is “Yes”. In past, occurrence of several significant earthquakes has proved the subcontinent’s susceptibility. The earthquakes mostly occurred in highly populated and urbanized localities causing great damage

. Scientists and geologists studied that the most earthquakes occurred in Himalayan plate boundary (termed as inter-plate earthquakes), and peninsular region (these are intra-plate earthquakes). Basic Topography and Tectonic Features are held responsible for these destructive natural calamities.

Effects of an earthquake is measured by descriptive scale namely Modified Mercalli intensity scale or the Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik scale. Based on the likelihood of occurrence of damaging earthquakes, a seismic zone map has been prepared to spot the critical regions in India .The seismic zone map has been subdivided India into 5 zones – I, II, III, IV and V. The seismic shaking intensity is expected maximum in zones marked as V and higher. The seismic zone maps are updated regularly with strict reference to geology, the seismotectonics and the seismic activity in the country.

The topography of this region is composed of basaltic rocks which are highly prone to earthquakes. Referred as the Very High Damage Risk Zone.

-        Areas: Punjab, The state of Kashmir, the North-East Indian region, Rann of Kutch  and the western and central Himalayas.

Termed as High Damage Risk Zone

-        Areas: Delhi, Jammu, Bihar and The  Indo-Gangetic basin.

Termed as Moderate Damage Risk Zone

-        Areas: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, some parts of Kashmir, and Western Himalayan plains.

Low Damage Risk Zone

-        Areas: Rest of the country