Haryana: The new seismic zoning map (BIS-2025) released in the country has confirmed new risks for many cities of North India. Chandigarh, Panchkula and Shimla have now been included in Zone VI, i.e. the most dangerous earthquake zone, released for the first time. These areas are considered to be centers of extreme seismic activity. Karnal and Gurugram, which were earlier in high-risk zones V and IV, have now come in the worrying category in the new map.
According to the new map, the entire Himalaya i.e. from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal has been kept in Zone VI. The major cities included in this zone are Chandigarh, Panchkula, Shimla, Leh, Mandi and Shillong. Experts say that the pressure of tectonic plates has increased in the Himalayan region and due to no major earthquake occurring here in the last 200 years, energy has accumulated to a very dangerous level. In such a situation, the risk of earthquake on these cities has naturally increased.
These areas are included in Zone V and IV.
The situation is also important for Haryana because cities like Karnal, Ambala and Jalandhar are included in Zone V and IV, while Gurugram has been included in Zone IV. That means the risk of earthquake in these areas is very high or high. Cities like Gurugram and Karnal are considered more sensitive due to ever-increasing urban expansion and multi-storey buildings.
Experts warn that if construction standards are not strictly followed, even a moderate intensity earthquake can cause huge damage. The new seismic map has also shown that 61% of India’s land is now in moderate to high risk areas i.e. 2% more than before. Also, 75% of the country’s population lives in earthquake-sensitive areas, which includes a large part of North India.
New and bigger dangers of earthquake
In such a situation, there is a need to pay special attention to Chandigarh, Panchkula and Shimla corridor. Here dense population, sensitive geological condition and intense construction activities increase the danger. There is also a need to make earthquake-resistant construction mandatory in cities like Karnal and Gurugram. In simple words, this new map shows that North India, especially Chandigarh, Panchkula, Shimla, Karnal and Gurugram, is facing a new and greater threat of earthquakes. Therefore, caution, strong construction and timely preparation is the only way to keep these cities safe.
