Parliament Question: Earthquake Risk in Kangra-Chamba-Dharamsala Belt

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 501 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 22ND JULY, 2026 EARTHQUAKE RISK IN KANGRA-CHAMBA-DHARAMSALA BELT 501. SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR: Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has taken note of recent seismic activity in Kangra-Chamba region of Himachal where 18 tremors were recorded in month of June with magnitudes ranging from 2.1-5.0 and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) has identified Kangra- Chamba-Dharamshala belt as one of the areas with high potential for future major earthquake exceeding magnitude 7.0 and if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of steps taken to strengthen earthquake monitoring, early warning systems, disaster preparedness in this highly sensitive region; (d) whether the Government has issued any fresh/recent advisories to States regarding enforcement of earthquake-resistant building norms and if so, the details thereof; (e) the details of action plan prepared to minimise loss of life, property in event of major earthquake, status of retrofitting vulnerable buildings and public awareness campaigns; and (f) whether the Government proposes to conduct any fresh seismic micro-zonation study of Kangra-Chamba-Dharamshala belt, provide additional financial, technical assistance to State for disaster resilience? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH) (a) Yes. The Government has taken note of the seismic activity in the Kangra–Chamba region. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) continuously monitors earthquakes across the country through the National Seismological Network. During June 2026, a total of 16 earthquakes were detected and reported by NCS through its 24×7 Earthquake Monitoring Centre in the Kangra– Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh, as against 18 mentioned in the question. Magnitude-wise details of these earthquakes are as follows: Magnitude Range 2.0 - 2.9 3.0 - 3.9 4.0 - 4.9 5.0 - 5.9 No. of Earthquakes 12 3 NIL 1 (b) The Kangra–Chamba–Dharamshala region lies in Seismic Zone V, the highest earthquake hazard zone in India. Scientific studies, including those by NGRI and other institutions, indicate that the region is capable of generating large earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7.0 due to active tectonic processes.(c) The Government has strengthened earthquake monitoring by expanding the National Seismological Network and ensuring round-the-clock monitoring by NCS. Presently, NCS maintains the National Seismological Network of 172 seismic stations across the country for 24×7 real time earthquake monitoring. Out of 172, 7 stations (Shimla, Dharamshala, Tissa, Sundernagar, Kalpa, Bhakra and Pong Dam) are in Himachal Pradesh. In addition, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in coordination with State Governments, promotes earthquake preparedness through mock drills, training of officials and first responders, preparation of disaster management plans, and strengthening of emergency response mechanisms. (d) Yes. The Government has issued advisories and guidelines for adoption and enforcement of earthquake-resistant construction through the National Building Code (NBC), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) seismic design codes and Model Building Bye-Laws. The implementation of these codes is the responsibility of the respective State Governments and Urban Local Bodies. (e) The Government follows a strategy to minimize loss of life and property through risk assessment, preparedness, capacity building, strengthening of critical infrastructures and promotion of retrofitting of vulnerable lifeline buildings by the concerned authorities. NDMA regularly undertakes public awareness campaigns, conducts school and community awareness programmes, mock exercises and training programmes to promote earthquake safety and preparedness. (f) Seismic microzonation studies are undertaken by scientific institutions and universities. The Government continues to provide financial and technical assistance to states, including Himachal Pradesh, under various disaster management and mitigation schemes to enhance disaster resilience and preparedness. *****