Vasant Kunj is in Seismic Hazard Zone
Suggest Retrofitting of Buildings That Are Not Compliant
We all are getting trapped into unnecessary encroachments and illegal constructions which are mostly not used by us. Bigger balconies, extra rooms, terrace rooms, encroachments on footpaths to create gardens etc. are few examples. The greed for more and more personal space is actually a travesty that too by encroachments. Are they really worth by compromising on structural safety of our building? After all it’s our own property with many co-residents sharing common land. MCD and other authorities have failed in doing their duty by taking no action on the structurally weak practices built by local contractors with no/ low knowledge. All permissions given by MCD have onus on the owners to ensure structural safety. Such permissions are probably eyewash if given without responsibility.
As per Unified building Byelaws 2016 Note: The liability for any structural flaw or defect in the buildings arising out of such additions/ alterations shall rest with the owner/ architect/ engineer/ structural engineer.
But actually, in DDA flats our co-owner’s safety is also at stake. Under such circumstances and absence of any safety certificates and Delhi being in seismic hazard zone (Zone IV) it’s everyone’s duty to get structural safety audit done of the building. DMRC has recently inspected few buildings in Vasant Kunj for its project of underground metro silver line. L&T is their contractor and did the safety checks. They have found some abnormalities in few structures but not disastrous.
The Delhi High Court has sought responses of the AAP government, the DDA and the three municipal corporations on a plea seeking contempt action against them for allegedly not complying with judicial orders on ensuring seismic stability of buildings in the national capital in a PIL filed in 2015. As per recent submission in January the petitioner Arpit Bhargava out of 32 lakhs buildings only 4500 has been made structurally compliance.
Looking at the scenario RWAs can play a major role in the getting things on track by hiring the services of prominent institutions / companies to get the structural audit of each block done and if required they can suggest retrofitting of building that’s not compliant. By auditing done we can understand the gravity of the situation and can give early warning to our resident members. RWAs of DDA flats older than 2005 need to be more cautious in allowing illegal constructions or authorised constructions in the absence of the structural safety certificate.
It has also been found that due to unqualified contractors and in the absence of any civil engineers, many houses have seepage and cracks problem. This is a major issue towards structural safety. If not solved timely whole building can be in danger specially during rains.
by Amit Aggarwal (9868095009)
