SRINAGAR: The entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, has been officially designated as being within Seismic Zone-VI, the highest-risk category according to India’s updated earthquake-resistant design code. The government informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday that this new classification necessitates that all existing and new buildings across Jammu and Kashmir adhere to the more stringent Zone-VI standards.
New Seismic Classification Mandates Stricter Building Codes
In response to a question posed by legislator Sajad Shaheen, the government stated that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) revised the earthquake zoning map through Gazette Notification No HQ-PUB013/1/2020-PUB-BIS (1361), which was published on November 6 last year. The Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department of Jammu and Kashmir confirmed that under the new standard, the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir falls into the newly introduced Zone VI, signifying the nation’s highest seismic risk.
The government’s reply addressed five critical concerns raised by the MLA, notably concerning vital infrastructure. It was stated that all structures, both existing and new, including schools, hospitals, bridges, tunnels, and other essential infrastructure, must now comply with the elevated Seismic Zone-VI standards. The existing code, IS 1893 (Part 1): 2016, is scheduled for formal withdrawal on May 3, 2026. Until that date, the Design Inspection and Quality Control (DIQC) wing has been appointed as the technical authority responsible for conducting structural audits and seismic evaluations.
Post-Flood Audits and Retrofitting Efforts Underway
Following the significant floods in 2025, the Public Works (R&B) Department has reportedly completed safety audits for 11,678 school buildings. The government indicated that where audits identify structures requiring seismic strengthening, the DIQC and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) would propose technically sound retrofitting measures. The Public Works Department is committed to ensuring that appropriate retrofitting interventions are implemented in line with applicable IS codes and engineering guidelines to bolster the seismic resilience of structures in both rural and urban environments.
Government Response on Risk Mitigation Plan
When questioned about the government’s plans to develop a comprehensive Seismic Risk Mitigation and Disaster Preparedness plan for Jammu and Kashmir, given its placement in Seismic Zone-VI, the Minister Incharge Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction stated that no such proposal is currently under consideration. However, the government also noted that a high-level Committee of Experts for Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (HVRA) has been constituted via government order No 168-JK(GAD) dated February 6, 2026, and its work is in progress.
The government’s response further elaborated on various supplementary measures being implemented to mitigate earthquake risks. These include routine mock drills in educational institutions conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other agencies. Public awareness campaigns are being conducted through Information Education Communication (IEC) activities, and the Aapda Mitra Scheme is being expanded. A total of 2100 volunteers have been identified and trained across 13 districts, and 126 Aapda Sakhis from the 1st and 2nd Battalions of SDRF have also received specialized disaster management training. Disaster Management Committees have been established at Panchayat and Block levels in collaboration with the Rural Development Department.
Details were also provided regarding an early warning system for earthquakes in the Himalayan region, though it was acknowledged that these systems are currently in their nascent stages.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
