Natural hazards - floods, coastal hazards, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, and mitigation - 2 | Geology Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Mitigation Strategies for Earthquakes

• Building Codes and Standards: India has set guidelines for constructing earthquake-resistant buildings. It's crucial to enforce these standards strictly to ensure new constructions can withstand earthquakes. Regular inspections are necessary to uphold these codes.
• Retrofitting and Reinforcement: Older buildings not meeting current seismic standards can be strengthened through retrofitting or reinforcement to enhance their ability to withstand earthquakes.
• Emergency Response Planning: Developing evacuation strategies, establishing emergency shelters, and training personnel on earthquake response are vital to minimize earthquake impacts.
• Research and Monitoring: Investing in earthquake research and monitoring enhances understanding of earthquakes, aiding in prediction and mitigation strategies.
• Land-Use Planning: Considering earthquake risks in land-use policies, restricting development in high-risk zones, and ensuring new constructions are earthquake-resistant are essential mitigation steps.

Mitigation Strategies for Floods

• Master Plan for Floods: Tailoring flood management plans to specific area requirements is crucial for effective flood mitigation.
• Floodproofing and Zoning: Emphasizing floodproofing and proper zoning of flood-prone areas minimizes losses and reduces recurring flood-related expenses.
• Flood Control Priority: Prioritizing flood control in high-risk areas, even at the expense of power and irrigation benefits, is essential in reservoir regulation policies.
• Flood Cushion Creation: Implementing flood cushions in storage systems improves flood management and control.
• Modern Forecasting Models: Updating flood disaster forecasting models with new technologies enhances system efficiency and productivity.
• Afforestation and Vegetation: Planting trees helps soil absorb excess water, reducing flood occurrences.
• Scientific Reservoir Construction: Building reservoirs and dams scientifically helps store excess floodwater, with ecological considerations in dam construction.
• Canals and Feeder Networks: Constructing canals and networks to redirect excess water from flood-affected areas to dry regions aids in flood management.

Mass Wasting Prevention

• Geotechnical Engineering: Measures like retaining walls, soil stabilization techniques, and slope reinforcement can improve slope stability to prevent mass wasting.
• Vegetation Management: Planting trees and vegetation on steep slopes can stabilize soil and reduce erosion.
• Early Warning Systems: Installing monitoring systems to detect ground movement or changes in water content can give early warnings of potential mass wasting events.
• Land-use Planning: Avoiding construction in high-risk areas and ensuring proper drainage can reduce the impact of mass wasting on infrastructure and communities.

Coastal Hazards Management

• Beach Nourishment: Adding sand or sediment to eroded beaches helps restore their width and volume, absorbing wave energy and protecting the shoreline.
• Shoreline Armoring: Using hard structures like seawalls and breakwaters protects the coastline from wave action and erosion.
• Dune Restoration: Restoring natural dune systems helps stabilize the coastline by absorbing wave energy and trapping sand.
• Vegetation Planting: Planting coastal vegetation like mangroves helps stabilize shorelines and provides habitat for marine life.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): A holistic approach to coastal management considering social, economic, and environmental factors for sustainable development.
• Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Regular monitoring of coastal processes and implementing early warning systems aids in timely response to potential hazards.

Volcanic Activity Management

• Establishing Evacuation Plans: Implementing strategies, planning shelters, and arranging supplies to reduce the risk of volcanic eruption impacts.
• Establishing Exclusion Zones: Based on monitoring data, authorities can evacuate individuals from areas at risk before an eruption.
• Educating Local Residents: Informing residents about proactive measures to minimize risk of life and injury.
• Instructing Protective Actions: Educating people on actions to protect themselves in case evacuation is not possible, like seeking shelter indoors to avoid falling debris.