Shaken foundations: Why the Himalayas can’t ignore quake resilience
Ambrish Kumar Mahajan
The Himalayan region has witnessed some of the most devastating earthquakes in recorded history. From the massive Lo-Mustang earthquake in Nepal in 1505 (8.2 magnitude), to the Garhwal earthquake in 1803 (8.1) and the Kangra earthquake in 1905 (7.8), the region has endured tremendous seismic stress. These catastrophic events deeply impacted the communities of the time, influencing them to construct earthquake-resilient structures that stood the test of nature.
This traditional wisdom manifested in unique architecture: Dhajji-Dewari buildings in Kangra, Kath-Kuni houses in Kullu valley and multi-storey wooden pherols in Uttarakhand. These indigenous styles combined locally available materials and smart engineering, often proving more resilient than modern concrete buildings. For instance, Dhajji-Dewari structures performed significantly better during the 1905 Kangra earthquake.
Unfortunately, modern construction is rapidly discarding this hard-earned knowledge. Foundations, which were once laid with vertical boulders set deep into the ground using a lime matrix, are now replaced with burnt bricks. While seemingly convenient, burnt bricks do not dissipate seismic energy and are more prone to water seepage. This compromises the structural integrity and increases vulnerability during earthquakes.
Another pressing concern is the widespread neglect of building codes. Earthquake-resistant designs are still often seen as an optional luxury, not a necessity—even in a high-risk zone like the Himalayas. In stark contrast, countries like Macedonia, which have only experienced quakes of up to magnitude 5.5, invest in rubber isolation systems in key buildings like hospitals. Meanwhile, in the Himalayan belt, even basic measures for earthquake safety are missing.
The risk is far from theoretical. Since 1991, India has experienced several damaging earthquakes: Uttarkashi (1991, 6.4), Latur (1993, 6.4), Chamoli (1999, 6.8) and Bhuj (2001, 7.7). A recent earthquake in Thailand also highlighted the power of earthquake-resistant construction. A video that went viral showed a tall building with a rooftop pool shaking violently, with water splashing out, but the structure itself remained intact—thanks to proper seismic design.
Given the seismic intensity of Zones IV and V across the Himalayan region, soil investigations before construction must become standard practice. Each site has unique geological conditions, determined by the thickness of loose soil and the depth to bedrock. These factors heavily influence how a structure will respond to an earthquake. Soil-structure interaction is key to designing buildings that can absorb and withstand seismic shocks.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences has initiated seismic microzonation studies across several urban centers. I’ve personally conducted such studies in Kangra Valley, Shimla, Jammu, Dehradun, Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali. These studies analyse critical parameters—like sediment thickness, shear wave velocity of the top 30 meters, natural soil frequency, and site amplification factors—to guide safer construction practices.
Encouragingly, building an earthquake-resistant structure adds only about 15–20% to the total cost during new construction, and 25–30% for retrofitting existing vulnerable buildings. This is a small price to pay for safety and resilience.
The message is clear: it’s time to revive traditional wisdom, respect the seismic sensitivity of the Himalayas and build not just for today, but for the future.
— The author is Head, Department of Geology, Central University, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Tribune