With the rise of frequent earthquakes and tremors in the region, it has becomes important that all of us are updated on the rules and actions needed for Disaster Management process in our respective high rise societies. A long-term overall structural safety plan needs to be assured as a policy for the fast industrializing township that we live in, and now Noida has become a show case city of Uttar Pradesh for inviting investors from all across the world.
The new Structural Audit policy alone may not help any future earthquake catastrophes in the region. Immediate inspection needs to be carried out in all high rise societies and plotted houses and in urban villages also. We are sitting on a high intensity seismic zone, which can result in unprecedented disaster if immediate measures are not taken.
The builders and the administration have to take the overall responsibility of the construction that should withstand natural disaster in the long-term. A mere 5 years guarantee of the structure from the builder, as per the new structural policy of Noida Authority, will not give the desired safety results.
A workshop was conducted on Sunday, 26 March, at Shubhkamna Club house (Plot no F-31, Sector 50) from 4 pm to 5pm. Several AOA members attended the same and few residents also participated in the workshop. The session was conducted by Rajiva Singh and Prof Rajesh Sahay of NOFAA leadership team. Concerns were shared since a few days earlier, on 21 March night, we experienced earthquake tremors that lasted for almost 30 seconds.
The catastrophic earthquakes of Turkey and Syria have been the recent examples. We need to quickly learn what went wrong in their process for the loss of such a large number lives and property. What are the measures that the Japanese have adopted, have to be considered. Much has to be done in this area. Let’s learn from their shortcomings to save human lives and minimize the effect of such a natural calamity – were the issues discussed in the workshop.
by Rajiva Singh (President, NOFAA; 9212705408)
