Experts for quake preparedness in Dharamsala, McLeodganj

Studio Nyandak, an architecture and engineering firm based in New York, in collaboration with the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA), hosted a two-day conference titled “Architectural Heritage and Dharamsala Earthquake Resilience” at McLeodganj, which concluded on Sunday evening.

The conference brought together experts to address the growing seismic risks facing Dharamsala, McLeodganj, it's adjoining areas and the need to preserve Tibetan architectural traditions.

LTWA Director Geshe Lhakdor emphasised the vulnerability of the hill towns to seismic activities. “The 1905 Kangra earthquake killed around 20,000 people. Dharamsala now lies in the seismic zones V and future quakes could reach magnitudes of 7 to 9,” he warned. He added, “Dharamsala is not just any town, it is the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile and home to the Dalai Lama.”

Studio Nyandak’s structural engineer Dechen Tsogyal presented findings from a session on Seismic Risk Assessment. She highlighted research suggesting a 7.5+ magnitude earthquake is likely within the next 50 to 200 years. A study from IIT-Roorkee also predicts a potential 8+ magnitude quake before 2109. She cited projections by Prof AS Arya estimating up to 65,000 fatalities in the event of a nighttime winter quake hitting non-engineered buildings.

Another engineer of Studio Nyandak Tenzin Choeyang said the team had recently briefed the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and conducted Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) at Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) and Delek Hospital. A full risk assessment for CTA buildings was underway, he said

Nyandak noted that their Dharamsala office focuses on pro-bono work for Tibetan institutions. However, funding remains a challenge for retrofitting high-risk structures. The firm is also involved in construction planning for Tibetan settlements in Tezu, Tawang, Kollegal, Bylakuppe, and Mundgod, integrating earthquake safety into new designs.

It may be mentioned that the Studio Nyandak, while operating commercially in New York, also runs a satellite office in Dharamsala near the Nechung Monastery. This local office focuses on pro-bono work for the Tibetan government-in-exile, TCV schools, monasteries, and charitable organizations. It also engages in research on Tibetan and Western Himalayan religious and vernacular architecture.

The conference concluded with a call for urgent action, combining traditional Tibetan architecture with modern engineering practices to ensure long-term resilience.