BIS Reinstates 2016 Seismic Code

Agency involved: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Code withdrawn: IS 1893 (2025 edition)
Code reinstated: IS 1893 (Part 1):2016
Concerned ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
Cost escalation concerns:
10‑15% increase in construction costs for buildings in Zones V & VI
Up to 50% rise for infrastructure projects
Scientific basis of 2025 code: Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA), active fault mapping, near‑fault effects
Current seismic zonation (as of March 2026):
Zone II – Low
Zone III – Moderate
Zone IV – High
Zone V – Very High
≈ 59% of India's landmass lies in earthquake‑prone zones

Seismic codes are regulatory frameworks ensuring that structures can resist earthquake forces, thereby protecting lives and reducing property loss.
The 2025 revision aimed to incorporate advanced scientific methods but was perceived to lack adequate stakeholder consultation and to impose heavy financial burdens.
MoHUA's intervention highlighted the need to balance safety standards with economic feasibility, especially for large‑scale infrastructure.

Public safety: Reinstating the 2016 code maintains a proven safety baseline while the government reviews cost‑effective upgrades.
Economic impact: Avoids sudden spikes in construction and infrastructure budgets, crucial for ongoing projects under schemes like PM Gati Shakti.
Policy process: Illustrates the importance of inter‑ministerial coordination, stakeholder engagement, and impact‑assessment before finalising technical standards.
Future revisions: Likely to involve a more consultative approach, integrating scientific advancements without compromising affordability.

Article 246 – Division of powers between Centre and States; building regulations often fall under State List, but BIS standards are nationally applicable.
National Building Code of India (NBC) – References IS 1893 for seismic design criteria.
Urban Development Ministry Guidelines – Mandate adherence to BIS codes for all public and private construction projects.

Prelims: Remember the seismic zones, cost escalation figures, and the agencies involved.
Mains: Discuss the trade‑off between safety and cost, the role of stakeholder consultation in policy formulation, and the impact of such standards on infrastructure development.

References