Was the earthquake in Delhi caused by groundwater extraction?
Early on February 17, 2025 , an earthquake jolted the people of Delhi out of their beds and homes. The tremor was accompanied by a booming sound, adding to fear and panic. However, the earthquake registered only a magnitude of 4.3, surprising many who claimed they had never felt such a strong jolt before.
So why did this earthquake feel so intense? And could it be linked to groundwater extraction?
There are two reasons why this 4.3-magnitude earthquake felt particularly strong: Its epicentre and its depth.
The epicentre was located well within Delhi, specifically in Dwarka. This proximity was the first reason behind the intensity of the tremor. The second reason was that it was a shallow earthquake, occurring just 5 kilometres (km) beneath the surface. Shallow earthquakes tend to feel much stronger because seismic waves have less distance to travel before reaching the surface, resulting in more intense and noticeable shaking.
Shallow earthquakes occur at depths between 0 and 70 km and Delhi frequently experiences them. Two factors could explain this recent tremor:
Delhi’s high seismic risk – The city lies in Seismic Zone 4, where earthquakes of magnitude 5 to 6 are fairly common. The region’s seismic activity is linked to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, which has been occurring for over 50 million years. This collision builds up energy that is periodically released when the plates shift.
Groundwater extraction – Studies suggest that pumping out groundwater can trigger earthquakes by reducing pressure in the underlying rocks. Research has shown that Delhi’s seismic activity is influenced by human activities such as irrigation and urbanisation, which impact local aquifers. A 2020 study published in Scientific Reports found that seismic activity in Delhi fluctuates both annually and over decades, aligning with changes in groundwater levels.
Delhi has experienced several earthquakes in the past, including moderate ones in 1720, 1831, 1956 and 1960, along with numerous smaller ones. A 2021 study noted that most of these quakes occurred within the upper 25 km of the Earth's crust, making them shallow earthquakes.
The link between groundwater extraction and seismic events has been observed worldwide. For example, earthquake swarms near the Dead Sea Fault in 2013 and 2018 were linked to groundwater withdrawal. More recently, a 2023 study in Morocco connected groundwater extraction to a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains in December 2023.
While shallow earthquakes are more common, those exceeding magnitude 6 can cause significant damage. Fortunately, Delhi’s recent quake did not result in fatalities. However, the city's infrastructure remains vulnerable. Although seismic design codes were introduced in 1962, there is no legal framework to enforce them, leaving many older buildings at risk.