Delhi, the National Capital, is known to be prone to earthquakes, sitting firmly within seismic level IV. The proliferation of skyscrapers and residential complexes across Delhi creates a concerning situation for city residents.
The mild tremors experienced on November 12th heightened apprehensions regarding the government's preparedness for a potential catastrophic earthquake in the National Capital, despite their low intensity and Delhi being the epicenter.
Unfortunately, the response isn't reassuring. A survey indicates that the majority of buildings erected in the city suffer from inadequate technical oversight. The potential devastation a high-intensity earthquake could inflict on the city is difficult to imagine. Numerous buildings have been constructed without adherence to safety codes.
While the State Government officials have implemented building safety awareness campaigns, minimal effort has been directed toward ensuring the resilience of high-rise structures against earthquakes. Although civic bodies approve numerous construction plans, the stability of these high-rise edifices often receives insufficient consideration. Obtaining a certificate from a structural engineer is mandatory, but it has become a mere formality.
Civic agencies and the NDMA have provided training for their officials in identifying hazardous structures, categorizing them as collapsible, non-collapsible, and those susceptible to economic loss.
Past surveys, especially in East Delhi, aimed to assess the structural soundness of buildings.
Following the Lalita Park building collapse incident, the MCD, in collaboration with the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), conducted a comprehensive survey to pinpoint dangerous structures throughout the city, revealing alarming findings.
Experts emphasize the necessity for the Government to implement radical measures to mitigate the damage caused by earthquakes. They suggest establishing a dedicated body to oversee construction quality.
The government and civic bodies should address any oversights in the building plan approval process to ensure that new structures possess earthquake resistance.