PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Earthquake Risk in Kangra-Chamba-Dharamsala Belt

The Government has taken note of the seismic activity in the Kangra–Chamba region. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) continuously monitors earthquakes across the country through the National Seismological Network.

The Kangra–Chamba–Dharamshala region lies in Seismic Zone V, the highest earthquake hazard zone in India. Scientific studies, including those by NGRI and other institutions, indicate that the region is capable of generating large earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7.0 due to active tectonic processes.

The Government has strengthened earthquake monitoring by expanding the National Seismological Network and ensuring round-the-clock monitoring by NCS. Presently, NCS maintains the National Seismological Network of 172 seismic stations across the country for 24×7 real time earthquake monitoring. Out of 172, 7 stations (Shimla, Dharamshala, Tissa, Sundernagar, Kalpa, Bhakra and Pong Dam) are in Himachal Pradesh. In addition, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in coordination with State Governments, promotes earthquake preparedness through mock drills, training of officials and first responders, preparation of disaster management plans, and strengthening of emergency response mechanisms.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today. (UPDATED ON 22ND JULY 2026)