Uttarakhand Sets Up Panel to Revise Building Bylaws

• 27 Feb 2026

Why in News?

The Uttarakhand government has constituted a 14‑member high‑level expert committee to comprehensively review and revise the state’s building bylaws in view of its increasing seismic vulnerability and updated earthquake safety standards.

Key Points:

• Leadership: The committee is chaired by R Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR‑CBRI Roorkee and was constituted under the guidance of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan.
  • The panel includes representatives from CSIR‑CBRI, Bureau of Indian Standards, IIT Roorkee, BRIDCUL, state public works, irrigation, town planning departments, development authorities, geological experts, and engineering professionals.
• Reason: Uttarakhand falls under a high seismic zone, necessitating updated building norms to incorporate earthquake‑resistant designs, climate‑responsive construction, and disaster mitigation measures.
  • The committee will also examine land-use regulations, urban planning guidelines, building material standards, structural safety measures, and environmental sustainability aspects.
• Report Submission: The report will be submitted to the State Disaster Management Authority and Housing Department, following which amended bylaws will be implemented for safer urban and rural development.
• Objectives: The committee will assess current bylaws, recommend modern construction technologies, ensure compliance with earthquake and landslide safety norms, and outline training requirements for engineers and planners.
• Significance: The initiative strengthens structural safety in Uttarakhand, reducing risk to life and property in one of India’s most seismically sensitive regions.

Read More: Earthquake, CSIR, Bureau of Indian Standards, Disaster Management Authority