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Uttarakhand Revises Building Bylaws for Earthquake Safety in Himalayan State

The Uttarakhand government has formed a 14-member high-level committee to comprehensively review and revise the state's building bylaws. This initiative is driven by the state's classification under a high seismic zone according to updated Indian standards. The committee, chaired by R Pradeep Kumar, will integrate modern earthquake-resistant design and geotechnical assessments with traditional hill construction techniques. The revised bylaws aim to foster a culture of safe construction and reduce disaster risk across urban and rural areas.

Key Points: Uttarakhand Forms Panel to Update Seismic Building Bylaws

  • High seismic zone classification
  • Committee to review bylaws
  • Focus on earthquake-resistant design
  • Integration of traditional techniques
  • Aim to reduce disaster risk
2 min read

Uttarakhand constitutes 14-member panel to review and revise building bylaws

Uttarakhand constitutes a 14-member committee to revise building bylaws for earthquake resilience, aligning with new seismic zone standards.

"Given Uttarakhand's fragile Himalayan terrain and growing seismic sensitivity, revising construction rules has become essential. - Anand Bardhan"

Dehradun, February 24

In view of Uttarakhand's increasing seismic vulnerability, the state government has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its building bylaws to align with updated earthquake safety standards.

The state government, in a release, said that the move follows the Indian Standard ISO 1893-2025, which classifies the entire state under a high seismic zone.

It said the government will amend existing construction regulations to make them more scientific, disaster-resilient and in tune with modern engineering practices. Currently, Uttarakhand's building by-laws are based on the older Bureau of Indian Standards framework ISO 1893-2002.

On the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has constituted a 14-member high-level committee to review and revise the existing by-laws. The committee will be chaired by R Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-CBRI Roorkee, with Shantanu Sarkar, Director of ULMMC Dehradun, serving as convenor.

The panel comprises representatives from CBRI Roorkee, the Bureau of Indian Standards, IIT Roorkee, BRIDCUL, the Public Works Department, the Irrigation Department, the Town and Country Planning Department, development authorities and geological experts. Architects and engineers will also be consulted during the review process.

Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan said that given Uttarakhand's fragile Himalayan terrain and growing seismic sensitivity, revising construction rules has become essential. He stated that the government aims to make building by-laws more effective, practical and capable of reducing disaster risk across both urban and rural areas.

Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, said the objective is not merely regulatory change but fostering a culture of safe construction. The revised by-laws will emphasise earthquake-resistant design, geotechnical investigations, wind load assessment and structural safety. Traditional hill construction techniques and climate-responsive planning will also be scientifically integrated to ensure sustainable development.

The committee's mandate includes reviewing current by-laws, incorporating earthquake and landslide risk mitigation measures, integrating modern construction technologies, ensuring environmental safeguards and preparing an implementation roadmap. It will also recommend training and capacity-building measures for engineers, planners and related departments.

The committee will submit its report to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority and the Housing Department, after which necessary amendments and implementation processes will be initiated, the government said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Finally! The 2002 standards are two decades old. With so much unplanned construction in Mussoorie, Nainital, and even Dehradun, this review is critical. Integrating traditional techniques with modern science is the right approach for the hills.
A
Aman W
Good move CM Dhami ji. But the real test is implementation at the ground level. Will local contractors and small homeowners be able to afford these new "scientific" standards? The committee must ensure rules are practical for common people.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visits Uttarakhand often, I'm relieved. The haphazard construction on steep slopes always worried me. Hope they also focus on waste management and water drainage, which are linked to landslide risks. The panel seems competent.
V
Vikram M
CSIR-CBRI and IIT Roorkee on the panel gives me confidence. They have the expertise. But will the PWD and local development authorities, known for delays, act on their recommendations swiftly? Time is of the essence. #SafeUttarakhand
K
Kriti O
A respectful criticism: Forming committees is easy. We've seen many such reports gather dust. The government must commit to a clear timeline for implementation and public awareness. Every homeowner needs to understand why these changes matter.
R
Ramesh W

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