Gujarat’s major urban civic bodies are divided over the implementation of the updated national seismic safety code, creating uncertainty for builders and stalling several high-rise projects, especially in Ahmedabad.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently revised the structural earthquake code IS 1893, upgrading key cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot from Seismic Zone 3 (moderate risk) to Zone 4 (higher risk).
The change introduces stricter construction norms aimed at improving earthquake resistance through stronger design and mandatory ductile detailing.
However, according to media reports, municipal corporations across the state have adopted different approaches, leading to a policy mismatch.
Ahmedabad Takes Strict Route, Projects Hit Pause
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has moved quickly to enforce the new standards. It issued a circular making compliance mandatory for all building plans submitted after November 3, 2025. The civic body also instructed structural engineers to file affidavits confirming that projects follow the revised code.
Media reports quote developers saying this has resulted in stopping of nearly 15 major high-rise projects, including several buildings planned above 45 metres.
Real estate body Credai Ahmedabad has argued that AMC’s stand conflicts with the Centre’s transition provision, which allows older norms to remain valid until May 3, 2026.
Builders have warned that projects already deep into the planning stage cannot easily switch codes midway, calling such a transition technically impractical.
Other Cities Continue With Old Norms
Outside Ahmedabad, civic bodies have largely maintained the earlier framework.
In Rajkot, officials said the corporation is still reviewing the revised BIS code, and approvals are currently being granted under the older standards.
Similarly, the Surat Municipal Corporation has not updated its approval process, stating that it has not yet received formal government notification to implement the new seismic classification.
Credai-Surat chairman Rajiv Patel, in a letter to the chief minister, flagged that the new mandate would require extensive compliance measures and complex engineering analysis, significantly increasing costs for both developers and homebuyers.
In Vadodara, the municipal corporation continues to approve building plans under Zone 3 guidelines, with officials saying they will act once state-level directions are issued.
Credai Seeks Consultation And Smoother Transition
Credai Gujarat president Tejas Joshi has been quoted in the media saying that AMC should hold discussions with structural experts and stakeholders before strict enforcement. The developers’ body has offered to work with civic authorities to spread awareness and ensure a smoother transition.
With different cities following different timelines, the revised seismic code has now become a major point of friction, raising concerns over construction delays and regulatory confusion in Gujarat’s fastest-growing urban centres.
Also Read: As Ahmedabad Climbs Higher, Seismic Warning Pushes City Into Zone IV https://www.vibesofindia.com/as-ahmedabad-climbs-higher-seismic-warning-pushes-city-into-zone-iv/
