**Summary:**
In response to concerns regarding earthquake risk and building safety in Delhi, the Ministry of Earth Sciences provided the following information. A 2019 study, "Earthquake Disaster Risk Index EDRI Phase I," categorized Delhi, located in Seismic Zone IV, as a medium-risk city based on hazard, vulnerability, and exposure assessments. A sample survey of 84 buildings classified the structural vulnerability of Delhi's built environment as medium.
In 2019, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) launched a pilot project, "Improving Earthquake Resiliency of Masonry Lifeline Structures and Upcoming Constructions," in collaboration with the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC). The total project cost was 303.33 lakhs, with DTU engaged as the Technical Partner. A first installment of 91 lakhs was released to NDMC, with approximately 35 lakhs utilized for training, capacity building, and technical reports. A structural safety audit of five public buildings was conducted. However, the project was discontinued due to unsatisfactory quality of reports submitted by the implementing agencies, which did not meet the expected technical standards.
While compliance with the National Building Code (NBC) and building byelaws falls under state government jurisdiction, NDMA has developed user-friendly guidelines based on NBC 2016 to promote earthquake-resilient construction. These include the "Home Owners Guide for Earthquake Cyclone Safety 2019" and "Simplified Guidelines for Earthquake Safety 2021," offering guidance on site selection, architectural design, structural safety, and the role of qualified professionals.
NDMA has also engaged with departments of the Government of NCT of Delhi to assess earthquake preparedness. During the 2nd Meeting of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction Earthquake (CoDRREarthquake) on April 8, 2025, department-wise measures were recommended to strengthen seismic safety and reduce vulnerabilities in Delhi.
This information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on August 21, 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Delhi: A city in India, categorized as medium risk in terms of earthquake risk hazard, vulnerability and exposure. Also referred to as Government of NCT of Delhi.
Seismic Zone IV: Seismic zone classification indicating the earthquake risk level in Delhi.
Earthquake Disaster Risk Index EDRI Phase I: A study completed in 2019 that assessed earthquake risk, including Delhi.
NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority, an organization that launched a pilot project and developed guidelines for earthquake-resilient construction.
North Delhi Municipal Corporation: A municipal corporation that collaborated with NDMA on a pilot project.
DTU: Delhi Technological University, engaged as a Technical Partner by NDMC.
National Building Code NBC 2016: A set of guidelines that compliance falls under the jurisdiction of state governments and NDMA developed user friendly guidelines based on it.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister of State Independent Charge for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space
Ministry of Earth Sciences
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Earthquake Risk and
Building Safety Compliance in Delhi
Posted On: 21 AUG 2025 6:32PM by PIB Delhi
In the study titled "Earthquake Disaster Risk Index (EDRI) – Phase I", completed in 2019, Delhi was included
in the assessment as it falls under Seismic Zone IV. As per the risk analysis conducted under this study, Delhi
was categorized as a medium-risk city in terms of earthquake risk (hazard, vulnerability and exposure). A
sample survey of 84 buildings was carried out, based on which the structural vulnerability of the built
environment in Delhi was also classified as medium.
In 2019, NDMA launched a pilot project titled “Improving Earthquake Resiliency of Masonry Lifeline
Structures and Upcoming Constructions” in collaboration with the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, with a
total project cost of ₹303.33 lakhs. NDMC has engaged DTU as Technical Partner. As part of this initiative, a
structural safety audit of five public buildings was conducted. However, the project could not be continued
further due to the unsatisfactory quality of reports submitted by the implementing agencies, which did not meet
the expected technical standards.
In 2019, NDMA launched a pilot project titled “Improving Earthquake Resiliency of Masonry Lifeline
Structures and Upcoming Constructions”, with a total project cost of ₹303.33 lakhs. The project was handed
over to the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and a first instalment of ₹91 lakhs was released. Out of
this, approximately ₹35 lakhs were utilized for training, capacity building and preparation of technical reports.
However, the project could not be continued further due to the poor quality of reports submitted by the
implementing agencies, which did not meet the required technical standards.
Compliance with the National Building Code (NBC) and building bye-laws falls under the jurisdiction of state
governments. However, to support and promote earthquake-resilient construction, NDMA has developed user-
friendly guidelines based on NBC 2016. Notable among these are the “Home Owner’s Guide for Earthquake &
Cyclone Safety (2019)” and “Simplified Guidelines for Earthquake Safety (2021)”, which offer practical
guidance on site selection, architectural design, structural safety and the role of qualified professionals in safe
construction.
Furthermore, NDMA has engaged with various departments of the Government of NCT of Delhi to assess the
city's preparedness for earthquake risk mitigation. This engagement was carried out as part of the 2nd Meeting
of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction – Earthquake (CoDRR-Earthquake) held on April 8, 2025. During
the meeting, department-wise immediate measures were recommended to help Delhi strengthen its seismic
safety and reduce vulnerabilities.
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science
and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of
Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
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NKR/PSM/AV
(Release ID: 2159350)