Modern Construction Practices A Must in Earthquake-Prone Regions
Zayeem-Ul-Islam
India is one of the most earthquake-sensitive countries in the world, especially the Himalayan belt, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Northeast region. The recent discussions regarding India’s revised seismic zonation once again highlighted the urgent need for safer and more scientific construction practices.
Currently, India is officially divided into four seismic zones under the active code IS 1893:2016:
Zone II – Low Risk
Zone III – Moderate Risk
Zone IV – High Risk
Zone V – Very High Risk
At present, there is officially no active Zone VI under the enforced Indian seismic code. However, in 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) proposed a revised seismic code, IS 1893:2025, which introduced the concept of a new Zone VI for extremely high earthquake-risk regions.
The proposed revision suggested stricter earthquake-resistant design provisions, reclassification of several Himalayan and high-risk areas, and stronger structural requirements for buildings and infrastructure. Regions such as parts of Kashmir and Northeast India were considered among the most sensitive seismic zones under the proposed changes.
The revised code also recommended stronger foundations, improved reinforcement detailing, enhanced ductile design, and more advanced structural safety measures. While these proposals were technically important for public safety, they also generated debate because of the expected increase in construction costs.
Engineers, contractors and developers raised concerns that stronger structural requirements would increase the quantity of reinforcement steel, foundation size, concrete consumption, and overall project expenses.
After objections and consultations, the government and BIS reportedly paused or withdrew the proposed seismic zonation changes in 2026. As of now, IS 1893:2016 remains the active seismic code, and India officially continues to follow Zones II to V.
However, for regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the Himalayan belt, engineers already consider construction highly seismic-sensitive even under current Zone IV and Zone V classifications. This means modern earthquake-resistant construction practices are still critically important, regardless of whether Zone VI is officially implemented or not.
Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed several damaging earthquakes over the past decades, reminding us that seismic danger in the region is real and continuous. The most devastating in recent history was the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which measured around magnitude 7.6 and caused massive destruction across the region. Thousands of lives were lost, and countless buildings collapsed due to poor structural resistance.
Apart from the 2005 disaster, the region has experienced repeated seismic activity during the last 50 years, including earthquakes affecting Doda, Uri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Ramban, and other Himalayan districts. Frequent tremors continue to be recorded across Jammu & Kashmir because the region lies close to active tectonic fault systems within the Himalayan seismic belt.
These repeated earthquakes clearly show that traditional unsafe construction methods are no longer suitable for modern habitation in the region. Unfortunately, many buildings are still constructed without proper structural design, soil investigation, or engineering supervision. Such practices become extremely dangerous during seismic events.
To improve safety, every building should begin with proper soil testing and scientifically designed foundations. Structural systems must include properly detailed RCC columns, beams, plinth beams, lintel bands, and roof bands. Reinforcement detailing, beam-column joint strength, and ductile design as per IS 13920 play a major role in earthquake resistance.
The use of low-quality construction materials, poor workmanship, and excessive cost-cutting further weakens structures. Proper concrete mixing, adequate curing, quality steel, and professional supervision are essential for durable and safe buildings.
In hilly regions like Jammu & Kashmir, additional challenges such as unstable slopes, snowfall, moisture penetration, and uneven terrain increase construction risks. Engineers therefore recommend lightweight roofing systems, symmetrical building layouts, and modern seismic-resistant technologies.
Earthquakes are natural disasters, but unsafe construction is a human failure. A strong home is not built only with cement and bricks it is built with proper engineering, quality materials, and responsible construction practices.
Whether or not Zone VI is officially implemented in the future, the message is clear: earthquake-resistant construction is no longer optional. It is necessary for protecting lives, families, and future generations in Jammu & Kashmir and all seismic regions of India.
