The Centre has stepped up earthquake monitoring and preparedness measures in the seismically active Kangra-Chamba-Dharamshala region of Himachal Pradesh, which falls under Seismic Zone V, the highest earthquake hazard zone in the country.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, said the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences continuously monitors seismic activity across the country through its 24×7 Earthquake Monitoring Centre.
According to the minister, the NCS recorded 16 earthquakes in the Kangra-Chamba region during June 2026. Of these, 12 earthquakes were in the magnitude range of 2.0 to 2.9, three measured between 3.0 and 3.9, while one earthquake was recorded in the magnitude range of 5.0 to 5.9. No earthquake in the 4.0 to 4.9 magnitude range was reported during the month.
The government said scientific studies conducted by institutions, including the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), indicate that the Kangra-Chamba-Dharamshala belt is capable of generating major earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7.0 due to active tectonic processes.
To strengthen earthquake surveillance, the National Seismological Network has been expanded to 172 seismic stations across the country, enabling round-the-clock real-time monitoring. Of these, seven stations are located in Himachal Pradesh at Shimla, Dharamshala, Tissa, Sundernagar, Kalpa, Bhakra and Pong Dam.
The government said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in coordination with state governments, is promoting earthquake preparedness through mock drills, training programmes for officials and first responders, disaster management planning and strengthening emergency response systems.
It added that advisories have been issued for the adoption and enforcement of earthquake-resistant construction practices through the National Building Code (NBC), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) seismic design codes, and Model Building Bye-Laws. The implementation of these standards rests with state governments and urban local bodies.
The Centre said its earthquake risk reduction strategy focuses on risk assessment, preparedness, capacity building, strengthening critical infrastructure, and retrofitting vulnerable lifeline buildings. It also noted that the NDMA regularly conducts public awareness campaigns, school and community outreach programmes, mock exercises and training sessions to improve earthquake preparedness.
The government further informed Parliament that seismic microzonation studies are being carried out by scientific institutions and universities. Financial and technical assistance is also being extended to states, including Himachal Pradesh, under various disaster management and mitigation schemes to strengthen resilience against earthquakes.
