Key Facts & Data Points

  • Code withdrawn: IS 1893 (2025) – seismic design code proposed by BIS.
  • Code reinstated: IS 1893 (Part 1):2016 – current applicable seismic code.
  • Cost impact cited by MoHUA:
  • 10‑15% increase in construction costs for buildings in Zones V & VI.
  • Up to 50% rise for large infrastructure projects.
  • Seismic zonation (2016 code):
  • Zone II: Low seismicity
  • Zone III: Moderate seismicity
  • Zone IV: High seismicity
  • Zone V: Very high seismicity
  • ~59% of India’s landmass falls under Zones III‑V.
  • Scientific basis for the 2025 revision: Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA), active fault mapping, near‑fault effects.

Background & Context

  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) formulates technical standards for safety and quality across sectors.
  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) oversees urban development, building regulations, and infrastructure policies.
  • The 2025 draft code incorporated advanced seismological methods but was perceived to lack adequate stakeholder engagement, leading to concerns about feasibility and cost.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Disaster Management: Robust seismic codes are vital for reducing loss of life and property in a country where ~59% of the land is earthquake‑prone.
  • Economic Implications: Sudden cost spikes can stall housing projects and critical infrastructure, affecting affordability and fiscal health.
  • Policy Balance: The rollback highlights the need to balance scientific rigor with economic viability and inclusive stakeholder consultation.
  • Inter‑Agency Coordination: Emphasises the role of MoHUA, BIS, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in formulating and implementing building safety norms.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 246 of the Constitution allocates subjects like building regulations to the State List, but central agencies (BIS, MoHUA) issue guidelines that states adopt.
  • The Disaster Management Act, 2005 empowers the NDMA to formulate guidelines for disaster‑prone areas, including seismic safety standards.
  • The Building Bye‑Laws of various states must align with the BIS seismic code, ensuring uniformity across the nation.

Implications for UPSC Aspirants

  • Understand the structure of seismic zones and the percentage of landmass affected.
  • Analyse the policy dilemma between safety standards and construction costs.
  • Relate the episode to broader themes of disaster resilience, urban planning, and inter‑governmental coordination.

Prepared for UPSC prelims and mains preparation.