Major Warning for Punjab: India’s New Earthquake Risk Map Increases Danger for Chandigarh, Jalandhar, and Amritsar
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released the updated IS 1893 (2025) seismic hazard map, and it shows a significant rise in earthquake risk for Punjab and neighboring regions. According to the revised map, 61% of India is now classified under moderate to high earthquake-risk zones.
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of a new, most dangerous category—Zone VI. With this update, nearly 75% of India’s population now lives in seismically active areas. Earlier, the country had four seismic zones, but the new map divides India into five.
🚨 Impact on Punjab and Surrounding Regions
Chandigarh and Panchkula Now in Zone VI
Chandigarh and adjoining Panchkula have been placed in the new Zone VI, the highest-risk category.
This means the region is now considered extremely vulnerable to severe future earthquakes, mainly due to its proximity to active Himalayan fault lines. Buildings in this zone must now comply with much stricter structural and safety standards.
Amritsar and Jalandhar Moved to Zone V
Major Punjab cities such as Amritsar and Jalandhar are now in Zone V, indicating very high seismic risk.
Experts warn that these areas have a higher likelihood of experiencing strong and potentially destructive earthquakes. Haryana’s Ambala and Karnal also fall under this category.
🏗️ Stricter Construction Standards
All new buildings, bridges, hospitals, and infrastructure in Zones V and VI will now have to follow enhanced safety norms:
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Strengthening: Foundations may need to be reinforced by up to 50%, with almost double the amount of steel required.
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Cost: Construction costs may increase by 10–20%, but experts emphasize that these measures are essential for long-term safety.
🌍 Summary of New Seismic Zones
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Zone VI: Highest risk (entire Himalayan belt, including Chandigarh & Panchkula)
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Zone V: Very high risk (Kutch, Northeast India, parts of Punjab & Haryana)
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Zone IV: High risk (including Delhi–NCR)
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Zone III: Moderate risk
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Zone II: Low risk