Delhi-NCR Shaken by Early Morning Tremors, Earthquake Linked to Active Fault Lines in the Region
Residents across Delhi-NCR were jolted awake on Thursday morning as tremors from a magnitude 4.4 earthquake rippled through the region. The epicentre was traced to Jhajjar in Haryana, about 60 kilometres from Delhi — right within the seismically active National Capital Region.
This isn’t the first time the region has experienced such movement, and it likely won’t be the last. Delhi-NCR, along with nearby cities like Rohtak and Jhajjar, lies over a web of fault lines shaped by complex geological forces. Its location near the Himalayan collision zone makes it particularly sensitive to tectonic shifts, with both regional and local structures contributing to the risk of earthquakes.
Why Is Delhi So Prone to Earthquakes?
While major quakes in the Himalayas often grab headlines, it’s the lesser-known but equally significant fault lines closer to home that keep the ground shaking in Delhi. Several major faults cut through this region, each playing a different role depending on their history and structure. These include:
-
Mahendragarh–Dehradun Fault (MDF)
-
Delhi–Haridwar Ridge (DHR)
-
Delhi–Sargodha Ridge (DSR)
-
Sohna Fault
-
Mathura Fault
-
Delhi–Moradabad Fault
-
Reverse Fault (F1)
Here’s a closer look at the most active ones:
1. Mahendragarh–Dehradun Fault (MDF): The Likely Culprit
Thursday’s earthquake is believed to be linked to the Mahendragarh–Dehradun Fault, due to its proximity to the epicentre. This fault stretches all the way from Mahendragarh in Haryana to Dehradun in Uttarakhand, cutting right through the heart of the NCR.
The MDF acts as a vital tectonic link between the stable Indian plate (craton) and the highly active Himalayan Frontal Thrust. It frequently causes low-to-moderate magnitude earthquakes, usually between 2.0 and 4.5. While these are rarely destructive, they serve as constant reminders of the tectonic tension building underground.
2. Delhi–Haridwar Ridge (DHR): A Hidden But Powerful Fault
Beneath the surface, the Delhi–Haridwar Ridge plays a key role in the region’s seismic activity. This geological structure forms a junction with the Yamuna River and the Lahore–Delhi Ridge, adding another layer of complexity to Delhi’s tectonic landscape.
Recent activity has drawn attention to the DHR. On February 17, 2025, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake was reported near Dhaula Kuan — its shallow epicentre just 5 km below the surface pointed to a tectonic shift along this ridge. Later, on June 8, 2025, a smaller quake (magnitude 2.3) struck Southeast Delhi, again highlighting the DHR’s continuing activity.
3. Delhi–Sargodha Ridge (DSR) and the Reverse Fault (F1)
Located about 15 km west of the DHR, the Delhi–Sargodha Ridge diverges from it at a depth of around 12–13 km. This ridge is linked to the Reverse Fault (F1), which causes subtle but significant seismic activity in the region.
The DSR system isn’t dormant. Micro-seismic activity has been observed here, confirming that it continues to shift and accumulate stress. A notable example occurred on November 12, 2024, when a magnitude 3.0 earthquake was recorded near Bahadurgarh — likely tied to this fault system.
Other Faults: Periodically Active but Still a Risk
Aside from the major players, there are several other faults that occasionally stir — including the Sohna Fault, Mathura Fault, and the Delhi–Moradabad Fault. Though they’ve been less active in recent years, they’re still part of the Aravalli geological system and can’t be ignored.
-
The Sohna Fault, for instance, lies within the Aravalli fold belt and is influenced by both local and Himalayan tectonic forces.
-
The Delhi–Moradabad Fault is also tied to the Aravalli system and has a history of intermittent activity.
A Region on the Edge
The growing urban sprawl over these active faults means that even moderate quakes can have a widespread impact. As scientists continue to monitor this intricate web of faults, residents of Delhi-NCR are reminded of the region’s fragile seismic equilibrium — and the need for preparedness.
