Prelims facts, Mains analysis and current-affairs linkage
India has released an updated seismic zonation map under the new Earthquake Design Code (2025). Need For Upgradation Earlier Maps Underestimated Himalayan Risk: Previous zonation divided the Himalaya into Zones IV and V, despite…
India’s updated seismic zonation map 2025 briefly introduced a new highest-risk Zone VI and placed almost the whole Himalayan arc in it. However, the revised map was withdrawn in March 2026. For present answers and building-design references, the four-zone map under IS 1893 (Part 1):2016 remains the applicable national standard.
What was India’s seismic zonation map 2025?
The Bureau of Indian Standards released the seventh revision of IS 1893 (Part 1):2025, the standard dealing with earthquake hazard and criteria for earthquake-resistant design of general structures. Its map departed from the older four-zone framework and proposed five categories—Zones II, III, IV, V and a new Zone VI.
The most important change concerned the Himalayas. According to the Government’s December 2025 explanation, the entire Himalayan arc was placed in the highest Zone VI, except for a small part of north-eastern Ladakh that remained in Zone V. This reflected the very high tectonic strain created by the continuing convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Why was Zone VI significant?
A seismic zone is not a prediction of when an earthquake will occur. It is a planning category that represents the expected severity of ground shaking for engineering design. A higher zone therefore calls for stronger design forces, more careful structural detailing and stricter compliance with earthquake-resistant standards.
The proposed Zone VI drew attention to the Himalayan belt because the region combines active faults, steep terrain, landslide risk, rapidly expanding hill towns and vulnerable lifeline infrastructure. Dense construction on unstable slopes, weak enforcement of building rules and the difficulty of emergency access can turn a geological event into a major disaster.
| Issue | 2025 revision | Current position after withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Number of zones | Five: II to VI | Four: II to V |
| Highest category | Zone VI | Zone V |
| Himalayan arc | Mostly placed in Zone VI | Classified under the operative 2016 map |
| Design reference | IS 1893 (Part 1):2025 | IS 1893 (Part 1):2016 remains applicable |
Why was the 2025 map withdrawn?
On 1 April 2026, the Government stated that the revised seismic zonation introduced through IS 1893 (Part 1):2025 had been withdrawn in March 2026. The official statement did not provide a detailed technical narrative for the withdrawal. Therefore, an accurate UPSC answer should state the verified administrative fact and avoid inventing reasons.
The withdrawal does not reduce India’s earthquake risk. It only means that the 2025 classification is not the current regulatory reference. Hazard assessment continues to evolve as scientists collect new fault, ground-motion and site-response data. Building safety must still follow the applicable BIS codes, local bye-laws and structural-engineering requirements.
India’s current earthquake risk profile
Under the operative four-zone framework, India is divided into Zones II, III, IV and V, with Zone V representing the highest risk. Government data indicate that about 59% of India’s land mass is prone to earthquakes: roughly 11% lies in Zone V, 18% in Zone IV and 30% in Zone III, while the remaining area falls in Zone II.
High-risk areas include much of the Himalayan and north-eastern region, parts of Gujarat, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and other fault-influenced belts. But damaging shaking can occur outside the highest zone. Local soil, building quality, depth of the earthquake and distance from the epicentre all influence actual damage.
Monitoring and preparedness measures
The National Centre for Seismology operates the national earthquake-monitoring network and reports events of magnitude 3.0 and above. Government initiatives also include upgrading Himalayan monitoring stations, installing strong-motion instruments, mapping active faults, studying site response and conducting seismic microzonation of important urban centres.
Microzonation is more detailed than a national zonation map. It divides a city or region into smaller areas according to local geology, soil, slope and expected amplification of shaking. It is especially useful for hospitals, bridges, dams, schools, transport corridors and dense urban settlements.
What should India do next?
- Enforce codes, not merely publish maps. Municipal approval, structural review and site inspection must ensure that new construction follows the applicable BIS standards.
- Retrofit vulnerable buildings. Schools, hospitals, bridges, fire stations and old masonry structures should be prioritised through risk-based audits.
- Expand microzonation. Fast-growing cities in the Himalayan, north-eastern and Indo-Gangetic regions need neighbourhood-level hazard information.
- Protect lifeline systems. Water, power, telecom, roads and emergency facilities require redundancy so that relief operations continue after a major shock.
- Build public preparedness. Regular drills, safe-evacuation planning, non-structural safety and clear risk communication can reduce casualties.
UPSC relevance and answer framework
This topic links physical geography, urbanisation, disaster management, infrastructure and governance. In a Mains answer, begin with India’s tectonic setting, distinguish the withdrawn 2025 proposal from the current 2016 map, explain that vulnerability depends on construction and preparedness, and end with code enforcement, retrofitting, microzonation and community readiness.
For connected preparation, use LearnPro’s Geography Notes for UPSC and the broader UPSC Notes hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zone VI currently part of India’s seismic map?
No. Zone VI appeared in the 2025 revision, but that revision was withdrawn in March 2026. The 2016 map with Zones II to V remains applicable.
Which is the highest seismic zone currently used in India?
Zone V is the highest category under the operative IS 1893 (Part 1):2016 map.
What percentage of India is earthquake-prone?
Government data state that about 59% of India’s land mass is prone to earthquakes across Zones III, IV and V.
Does a seismic zone predict an earthquake?
No. Zonation indicates the expected level of ground-shaking hazard for planning and design; it does not predict the date or location of an earthquake.
Official references
Sources and further reading
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