In the Northeast region of India, particularly Assam, which material is traditionally used in construction due to its lightweight and flexible nature during earthquakes?

The correct answer is - Bamboo Key Points In Assam and other parts of Northeast India, which fall under the high-risk Seismic Zone V , bamboo is the primary material for traditional earthquake-resistant housing (often called 'Ikra' houses). Bamboo has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is incredibly flexible. During an earthquake, bamboo structures can sway significantly without snapping or collapsing, effectively absorbing and dissipating the energy of the seismic waves. The lightweight nature of bamboo means that even if a part of the structure fails, the risk of fatal injury to the occupants is much lower compared to the collapse of heavy masonry or concrete walls. Traditional Assam-type houses use bamboo for walls (plastered with mud or lime) and lightweight CGI sheets for roofs, creating a resilient and culturally appropriate living environment. Additional Information Bamboo is often called 'green steel' because of its structural properties and sustainability. It is a rapidly renewable resource that is abundant in the Northeast. Modern engineering is now looking at engineered bamboo (like bamboo cross-laminated timber) to build larger, more durable seismic-resistant structures in urban areas. The National Bamboo Mission in India promotes the use of bamboo not just for handicrafts but as a mainstream construction material to enhance disaster resilience in rural areas.