📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / UnpetitproleX
Weather
Earthquake Threat in Jammu & Kashmir Highlights India's Disaster‑Readiness Gaps
✍️ Deccan Herald
🗓 27 Sep 2026, 03:16 PM
👁 15
Recent assessments flag a high seismic risk in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting experts to question India's earthquake preparedness.
A fresh scientific appraisal has underscored that Jammu and Kashmir sits atop several active fault lines, making the region vulnerable to moderate‑to‑strong earthquakes. Seismologists say the geological setting, combined with dense population centres, raises the probability of a damaging event in the near future.
In parallel, disaster‑management specialists argue that India's current earthquake‑response framework shows significant gaps. They point to limited early‑warning infrastructure, outdated building‑code enforcement, and a shortage of trained rescue teams as areas needing urgent attention.
The Union Home Ministry has acknowledged the concerns and indicated that a comprehensive review of the national disaster‑management plan will be undertaken. While specific policy revisions are yet to be announced, officials say the review will focus on strengthening seismic monitoring, improving community drills, and upgrading emergency logistics.
State authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have already begun conducting mock drills in schools and municipal offices, aiming to raise public awareness and test coordination mechanisms ahead of any eventual tremor.
In parallel, disaster‑management specialists argue that India's current earthquake‑response framework shows significant gaps. They point to limited early‑warning infrastructure, outdated building‑code enforcement, and a shortage of trained rescue teams as areas needing urgent attention.
The Union Home Ministry has acknowledged the concerns and indicated that a comprehensive review of the national disaster‑management plan will be undertaken. While specific policy revisions are yet to be announced, officials say the review will focus on strengthening seismic monitoring, improving community drills, and upgrading emergency logistics.
State authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have already begun conducting mock drills in schools and municipal offices, aiming to raise public awareness and test coordination mechanisms ahead of any eventual tremor.