The country’s earthquake risk map has changed, directly impacting Punjab. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released the new IS 1893 (2025) seismic map, which now includes 61% of the country in the moderate to high earthquake risk zone. The most significant change is the addition of the most dangerous Zone VI.
According to the new earthquake map, 75% of the country’s population now lives in active earthquake zones. Previously, there were four zones, but now five zones have been created, and a new Zone VI has been added.
Earthquake Zone Details:
Zone II: Lowest risk, 11% land
Zone III: Moderate risk, 30% land
Zone IV: High risk, includes Delhi-NCR, 18% land
Zone V: Extremely high risk, Kutch and the Northeast, 11% land
New Zone VI: Highest risk, includes the entire Himalayan region, Chandigarh and Panchkula
According to the map, areas near the Himalayas are likely to experience the highest earthquake intensity. Chandigarh and Panchkula now in ‘Zone VI’
The new map includes Chandigarh and adjoining Panchkula in the most dangerous Zone VI. This means that these areas are expected to experience very intense earthquakes in the future, as they are located very close to active fault lines in the Himalayas. Buildings in this zone will now have to be built under stricter regulations.
Amritsar-Jalandhar in ‘Zone V’
Punjab’s major cities, Amritsar and Jalandhar, have now been placed in Zone V (very high risk). According to experts, being in this zone means the likelihood of a large and damaging earthquake is higher than before. Ambala and Karnal in Haryana are also included in this zone.
Stricter construction standards will now apply to all new buildings, bridges, and hospitals constructed in Zones VI and V. Foundations may need to be strengthened by up to 50%, and steel use is expected to nearly double. This could increase construction costs by 10–20%, but this step has been deemed necessary for safety reasons.
With the new seismic map, the government and experts have clarified that it is crucial for people in vulnerable areas of Punjab to remain vigilant and prioritize safe construction.
