Dehradun. In view of Uttarakhand’s increasing seismic vulnerability, the state government has initiated the process of comprehensively amending building regulations. This important decision comes after the entire state was included in Zone 6 of the Indian Standards ISO 1893-2025. Following the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has constituted a 14-member high-level committee to review the current building bylaws.
CBRI Director to chair the committee
Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee, will chair the committee, while Dr. Shantanu Sarkar, Director of ULMMC, Dehradun, will be appointed as the convener.
It is noteworthy that the current building bylaws are based on the old version of the Bureau of Indian Standards, ISO 1893-2002, which will now be revised to conform to the latest seismic standards.
Focus on Modern Technology and Disaster Safety
The committee includes representatives from CBRI, Bureau of Indian Standards, IIT, BRIDCOOL, Public Works Department, Irrigation Department, Town and Country Planning Department, development authorities, and geological experts.
The committee’s objectives are:
- A comprehensive review of existing bylaws
- Incorporating earthquake, landslide, and other disaster risks
- Incorporating earthquake-resistant design, wind load, and structural safety provisions
- Scientifically integrating traditional hill construction techniques
- Promoting climate-friendly and environmentally friendly construction
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan stated that the state government is taking concrete steps to make building bylaws more practical, safe, and disaster-resilient.
Emphasis on Developing a Culture of Safe Construction
Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman stated that the government’s goal is not merely to amend rules, but to develop a culture of safe construction. The revised rules will focus on geotechnical investigations and structural strength.
Representatives from these institutions are included.
The committee includes expert members from various technical institutions, including IIT Roorkee, the Bureau of Indian Standards, UNDP, BRIDCUL, the Public Works Department, the Irrigation Department, the Town and Country Planning Department, the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority, and the Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority.
What will be the benefits?
✔ The structural strength of buildings will increase.
✔ Loss of life and property during earthquakes and other disasters will be reduced.
✔ Safe construction will be promoted in urban and rural areas.
✔ Sustainable and disaster-resilient development will be ensured.
The committee will submit its report to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority and the Housing Department. Based on the report, revised building bylaws will be implemented.
