Srinagar, Sep 26: Jammu and Kashmir faces high earthquake risk but has no separate comprehensive plan specifically for seismic risk mitigation and disaster preparedness, the government told the J&K Assembly on Friday.
Responding to MLA Sajad Shaheen, the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction ( DMRRR) said most of Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu division, including Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar, fall in Seismic Zone V, while the remaining areas of J&K fall in Zone IV.
Zone V is the highest seismic-risk category under the existing four-zone classification.
The government said the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) withdrew its revised seismic code issued in 2025 on March 3, 2026.
The seismic zoning map under IS 1893 (Part 1):2016 therefore remains applicable.
“No separate comprehensive Seismic Risk Mitigation and Disaster Preparedness Plan has been proposed specifically on the basis of the revised Zone VI classification,” the government said, adding that the 2025 revision was withdrawn.
It said earthquake risk assessment and preparedness measures have nevertheless been initiated in view of J&K’s high seismic vulnerability.
District preparedness
The government said District Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs) have been formulated for all districts and are reviewed periodically. Disaster preparedness and response have been institutionalised through District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), while District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) are functional and coordinate with line departments.
“The arrangements cover vulnerability assessments, preparedness of manpower and machinery and emergency response.”
“Preparedness measures include cleaning and desilting drains and nallahs, identifying vulnerable and flood-prone areas, keeping emergency manpower and machinery ready, maintaining response teams, coordinating with district administrations and DDMAs, disseminating timely warnings, conducting mock drills, ensuring continuity of essential civic services and updating contingency plans,” the government said.
10,503 schools audited
The Chief Engineer, Design Inspections and Quality Control, J&K, Jammu, PW(R&B) has undertaken safety audits of 10,503 school buildings across all 20 districts.
“The exercise is aimed at assessing structural conditions and facilitating evidence-based planning for maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction,” the government said.
It said that the Design Inspections and Quality Control (DIQC) wing, along with its field formations, has also undertaken safety and structural assessments of government buildings, bridges and other infrastructure under applicable BIS guidelines, codal provisions and prescribed technical standards.
Hospitals and critical infrastructure
Safety audits of health institutions are being conducted by PW(R&B).
Heads of Departments in Health and Medical Education are coordinating with engineering staff to identify hospital buildings requiring inspection and complete the audits in a time-bound manner so that recommended safety measures can be initiated at the earliest.
The Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) said structural safety audits of critical infrastructure are conducted periodically under applicable BIS seismic safety codes and that such audits are carried out regularly.
The government also said detailed safety audits of government buildings are being undertaken by the DIQC wing of R&B.
HUDD said construction is carried out in compliance with the applicable J&K Unified Building Bye-Laws and structural-safety requirements. New buildings are designed considering seismic forces and incorporating earthquake-resistant provisions.
Emergency preparedness
The government said regular mock drills and awareness programmes are being conducted, while trained community volunteers are being strengthened under the Aapda-Mitra Scheme.
Emergency response capabilities are also being strengthened in coordination with concerned departments and agencies.
HVRA exercise under way
A High-Level Committee of Experts for Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (HVRA) was constituted through Government Order No. 168-JK(GAD) dated February 6, 2026.
The committee has been tasked with assessing hazards, vulnerabilities and associated risks and providing a basis for prioritising mitigation and preparedness measures.
Its findings, along with applicable seismic design standards and recommendations from technical agencies, will form the basis for future seismic risk mitigation and preparedness measures.
The government said no specific timeline has been fixed because the HVRA is still underway. A definite implementation schedule will be considered after completion of the risk assessment and formulation and approval of the requisite mitigation measures.
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