The city's southern and central sectors, which include the most densely populated areas, are the most prone to damage by earthquakes. areas in the east face the least risk. These findings were highlighted in an illustrative report prepared by the Geological Survey of India. The report on first-level Seismic Microzonation of Chandigarh Urban Complex was released at Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10 by Adviser to UT Administrator Pradip Mehra on Tuesday. According to the report, Chandigarh's seism tectonic status is of an intensity of VIII on the MSK scale. It has been categorised as a High Hazard Zone. There is a probability of liquefaction in the north-western, west-central and south-western parts of the city. This includes sectors 15-17, 22-25, 32-39 where the groundwater level is quite high. The maximum amplification of ground motion is predicted in localities such as Jagatpura village, Sector 47-51 and near Kaimbwala village. The phenomenon is expected to be the least in the eastern areas. The western part of Chandigarh, Mohali, Jagatpura, Sector 47-51, 15, 38 and Kaimbwala, show the maximum damage potential whereas the eastern areas including Panchkula fall in the minimum damage potential zone. The least vulnerable areas are Mansa Devi Complex and Manimajra. In the National Disaster Management Policy, microzonation has been recognised as an effective pre-disaster exercise. It helps equip planners to mitigate the damaging effects of an earthquake. Speaking on the occasion, Mehra said, "The work done by the Geological Survey of India is of immense relevance to all... the most important application of this study will be the amalgamation of the vital recommendations in the building bylaws'. "This study will support the administration in judiciously planning construction of buildings, their location, materials to be used, their height...,' Mehra said.