Minister for Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan today released seismic microzonation reports of Delhi and Kolkata in New Delhi today. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vardhan said, microzonation of 30 cities in the country has started as different areas have different risks. He said, the report will help in minimizing impact of earthquake and protect life and property. <br/><br/>He said, through the report there will be proper assessment of seismic hazards, implementation of safe building construction codes and appropriate land use planning will be adopted. The Minister said, the report will be sent to disaster mitigation and urban development authorities, planning and design agencies and other concerned agencies.<br/><br/>According to the Report on Seismic Hazard Microzonation most of Delhi face least and moderate risk. The high risk zone in the national capital, mostly in patches, are concentrated in East, Central and Northern parts. The report is based on study of various aspects like the kind of rock which is there in a particular area, groundwater level, soil quality and how can it affect the structures in case of an earthquake. <br/><br/>Delhi falls in Zone 4 in terms of the threat perception from earthquakes. According to experts, Delhi is not a major source of earthquake but it is definitely prone to earthquakes occurring in the Hindukush mountain range and the Himalayas. The Himalayas are as close as 180 kilometres from Delhi.

Minister for Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan today released seismic microzonation reports of Delhi and Kolkata in New Delhi today. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vardhan said, microzonation of 30 cities in the country has started as different areas has different risks. He said, the report will help in minimizing impact of earthquake and protect life and property. <br/><br/>He said, through the report there will be proper assessment of seismic hazards, implementation of safe building construction codes and appropriate land use planning will be adopted. The Minister said, the report will be sent to disaster mitigation and urban development authorities, planning and design agencies and other concerned agencies.