Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV, classified by the Bureau of Indian Standards as a high-damage risk zone. Its location near the Himalayan Frontal Thrust, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, makes it prone to moderate to strong earthquakes, sometimes exceeding magnitude 7.
Adding to the risk are active local fault lines like the Sohna, Delhi-Moradabad, and Mahendragarh-Dehradun faults. Combined with dense population, aging infrastructure, and widespread non-compliance with seismic building codes, Delhi-NCR is highly vulnerable.
Historically, the city has witnessed several destructive quakes. Experts warn that without urgent steps in urban planning, retrofitting, and public awareness, the next big quake could have devastating consequences.
