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4mo ago

India Rewrites Earthquake Code, Puts Entire Himalayas in New Highest-Risk Zone

Built on PSHA, the 2025 standard compels stricter design for buildings and critical facilities across India.

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Overview

  • BIS released the 2025 Earthquake Design Code with a PSHA-based seismic zonation map replacing the 2016 framework.
  • All of the Himalayan arc is now classified as Zone VI, with the outer Himalaya mapped for southward rupture reaching the Himalayan Frontal Thrust near Mohand.
  • The share of land rated moderate to high hazard rises to 61%, and towns on zone boundaries default to the higher category.
  • New provisions require anchoring of non-structural elements exceeding 1% of a building’s weight and account for near-fault pulse motions, liquefaction and site-specific response.
  • Critical infrastructure must be designed to remain functional after major earthquakes, the map adds a PEMA-based exposure window, and the southern peninsula undergoes only minor refinements.