DU study on quake ‘jolts’ capital

“In fact, Delhi has the maximum concentration of quake epicentres. It has been indicated that there are many hidden faults in the alluvial deposits of the Indo-Gangetic plain,” Prof Dubey said.

Up to two-thirds of Delhi’s residential areas will be badly hit if an earthquake of more than 6.5 magnitude struck the capital, according to a study by Delhi University (DU).

The geophysicists, who studied the strength and stiffness of the soil for nearly a decade, say the areas near the eastern and western bank of the Yamuna are more vulnerable. The study said several densely populated areas are “highly to very highly vulnerable to earthquakes”.

Among them are Rohini, Pitampura, Jahangirpuri, Rajouri Garden, Punjabi Bagh, Nirman Vihar, Seelampur, Mayur Vihar, Laxmi Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar, Kashmere Gate, Timarpur, Nehru Vihar, New Delhi, Northeast Delhi and East Delhi.

[related-post]

Story continues below this ad

“Many buildings in Delhi are highly vulnerable to earthquake liquefaction, even if moderate quakes occur. With the number of highrise buildings increasing in various locations coupled with the fact that builders do not take into account the proper geological survey of the area before construction, the city is highly vulnerable to liquefaction,” the study undertaken by DU’s Geology department stated.

“We have been working on this for the last eight-nine years. When Delhi Metro started, we began collecting data to understand the city’s geotechnical features. We analysed data of 12,000 bore holes. Based on findings, we drew maps. Through these, we have been able to establish the city’s vulnerability in the event of an earthquake of 5.5,6 and 6.5 magnitude,” Professor C S Dubey, head of the Geology department, said.

“In fact, Delhi has the maximum concentration of quake epicentres. It has been indicated that there are many hidden faults in the alluvial deposits of the Indo-Gangetic plain,” Prof Dubey said.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram