NDMA - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following agencies developed user friendly earthquake hazard zoning maps?

1) National Disaster Management Authority
2) ISRO
3) Building Materials Technology Promotion Council


a. 2, 3
b. 1, 3
c. 1, 2
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1, 3

Explanation:

  • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Building Materials Technology Promotion Council (BMPTC) have come out with 'easy to use' earthquake hazard zoning maps at the country, state and district-level incorporating tehsil level features so that earthquake resistant constructions could be made to avoid destruction during natural calamity.
  • With the use of this map, different authorities would be able to identify the areas where there was a great possibility of earthquake and accordingly earthquake resistant structures could be erected.
  • The colour coded maps easily convey location in five different zones of earthquake intensity which helps in planning for disaster resistant construction with necessary technical assistance.
  • BMPTC of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) has prepared these maps at the behest of NDMA using the data available with the Survey of India, Geological Survey of India, Meteorological Department and Census of India.
  • The additional features of these maps include housing and population data, railway lines, expressways and highways, rivers, waterbodies and geological fault lines.