The Centre has intensified earthquake monitoring and preparedness measures in the Kangra-Chamba-Dharamshala region of Himachal Pradesh, which falls under Seismic Zone V, the highest earthquake hazard category in India. The move comes amid concerns over the region’s active tectonic conditions and its potential to experience major seismic events.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is continuously monitoring seismic activity across the country through its 24×7 Earthquake Monitoring Centre. The government has maintained close surveillance of the Kangra-Chamba belt due to its high vulnerability to earthquakes.

According to data shared by the minister, the NCS recorded 16 earthquakes in the Kangra-Chamba region during June 2026. Of these, 12 earthquakes were between magnitude 2.0 and 2.9, three were recorded in the 3.0 to 3.9 range, and one earthquake measured between magnitude 5.0 and 5.9. No earthquake between magnitude 4.0 and 4.9 was reported during the month.

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Scientific studies by institutions, including the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), have indicated that the Kangra-Chamba-Dharamshala region has the potential to generate earthquakes of magnitude above 7.0 due to ongoing tectonic activity. To improve monitoring capabilities, the National Seismological Network has been expanded to 172 seismic stations across India, providing real-time earthquake tracking. Seven of these 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 authorities, is working to improve earthquake preparedness through mock drills, training programmes for officials and first responders, disaster management planning and strengthening emergency response systems. Authorities have also issued advisories promoting earthquake-resistant construction practices under the National Building Code, Bureau of Indian Standards seismic design guidelines and Model Building Bye-Laws.

The Centre said its earthquake risk reduction strategy includes hazard assessment, strengthening critical infrastructure, retrofitting vulnerable buildings and improving community awareness. Seismic microzonation studies are also being carried out by scientific institutions and universities, while financial and technical support is being provided to states, including Himachal Pradesh, through disaster management and mitigation programmes to enhance resilience against future earthquakes.

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