Context: A recent 4.4 magnitude earthquake in Delhi has revealed critical weaknesses in the city’s preparedness and highlighted the broader need for robust seismic resilience across India.

What is Earthquake Resilience?

Definition:
Earthquake resilience is the capacity of infrastructure, communities, and institutions to withstand seismic shocks and recover quickly, with minimal loss and disruption.

Global Perspective:
Recent high-magnitude earthquakes in Myanmar (7.7), Tibet (5.7), and Greece (6.2) point to growing tectonic instability, underlining the urgency for comprehensive preparedness and risk mitigation globally.

India’s Vulnerability to Earthquakes

• Seismic Zones:
  About 59% of India falls within earthquake-prone Zones II to V (BIS classification).
• High-Risk Zones:
  • Zone V: Includes the Himalayan belt, Northeast India, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These areas are particularly vulnerable due to tectonic plate convergence at a rate of 4–5 cm/year.
  • Cities at Risk:
    • Delhi (Zone IV, Peak Ground Acceleration: 0.24g)
    • Guwahati (Zone V, on floodplains)
    • Srinagar, Gangtok, and Bhuj—all located in seismically active areas with high risk potential.

Major Earthquakes in India: Historical Overview

Current Challenges and Vulnerabilities

1. Outdated Infrastructure
   • Over 80% of buildings in Delhi (especially those built before 2000) are non-compliant with seismic codes like IS 1893:2016.
2. Liquefaction Zones
   • Cities like East Delhi, Guwahati, and Gangtok are built on soft, water-saturated soils, increasing the risk of soil liquefaction and building collapse during seismic activity.
3. Urban Density and Overcrowding
   • With 33.5 million people and 5,000+ high-rises, Delhi is at high risk of mass casualties during a major earthquake.
4. Implementation Gaps
   • Poor enforcement of seismic safety codes, lack of retrofitting, and inadequate public awareness worsen the risk profile of Indian cities.

Key Government Initiatives

1. Disaster Management Framework
   • Disaster Management Act, 2005: Established NDMA, NDRF, and SDMAs to institutionalize disaster risk reduction.
2. Seismic Monitoring Expansion
   • Number of seismic observatories increased from 80 (2014) to 168 (2025) to improve real-time detection.
3. BhooKamp App
   • Developed by the National Center for Seismology to deliver real-time earthquake alerts to citizens.
4. Earthquake Risk Indexing (EDRI)
   • Risk profiles created for 50 cities, with 16 more under evaluation to guide urban planning and retrofitting.
5. Simplified Building Codes (2021)
   • Revised codes offer user-friendly guidance, improving compliance in small towns and cities.
6. Retrofitting Guidelines
   • Structural reinforcements such as shear walls, ductile detailing, and jacketing are encouraged for vulnerable buildings.
7. Early Warning Systems (EEW)
   • Being piloted in Himalayan Seismic Zone V, enabling vital seconds of advance warning to reduce casualties.

Way Forward

1. Strict Code Enforcement
   • Ensure mandatory compliance with IS 1893 and IS 4326, especially in critical infrastructure.
2. Retrofitting Mission
   • Launch a national audit and upgrade program targeting schools, hospitals, and government buildings.
3. Urban Planning Reforms
   • Prohibit construction in liquefaction-prone areas and mandate earthquake-resistant foundations (e.g., base isolators).
4. Dedicated Budget Allocation
   • Allocate at least ?50,000 crore annually for seismic risk reduction, retrofitting, and capacity building.
5. Public Awareness and Preparedness
   • Promote earthquake drills, school safety campaigns, and household emergency kits to enhance community readiness.

Conclusion

India’s growing urban population and its location in a tectonically active region make earthquake resilience an urgent national priority. Investing in infrastructure upgrades, seismic code enforcement, and citizen education is not optional—it is essential for safeguarding lives and ensuring sustainable urban growth.