Post-Myanmar quake, Delhi govt orders inspection of buildings, critical structures
The Delhi government has issued urgent directives to assess and enhance the structural resilience of Capital’s buildings in the wake of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, which has so far claimed over 3,600 lives, left more than 5,000 injured while 148 are reported missing.
“These measures are aimed at safeguarding the city against potential seismic risks and ensuring public safety,” a top government official told The Tribune.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has mandated a comprehensive inspection of all buildings in the Capital and directed the development of a retrofitting plan for “critical infrastructure” within the next three months. The goal is to fortify essential structures and ensure their preparedness for natural disasters. The PWD, in an order, directed the field staff to take a series of steps regarding implementation of building code as the recent earthquake in Myanmar had highlighted the “importance of adhering to building codes” and ensuring the “structural integrity” of critical building infrastructure in Delhi.
Notably, Delhi, situated in Zone IV of the seismic hazard map, is classified as a high-risk region for earthquakes, where tremors of varying magnitudes (ranging from 5 to 7 on the Richter scale) are frequent.
The recent catastrophe in Myanmar underscored the critical need for strict adherence to building codes and the maintenance of structural integrity, particularly in key public facilities such as hospitals, schools, fire stations and police stations.
According to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) website, the city’s settlement pattern has never been viewed in relation to location and geological characteristics.
“Pockets with high-rise buildings or ill-designed high-risk areas exist without specific consideration of earthquake resistance. Similarly, unplanned settlements with sub-standard structures are also prone to heavy damage even in moderate shaking,” the DDMA notes.
As per the PWD order, exclusively accessed by The Tribune, the officials are directed to take immediate action on the status of buildings that are under PWD’s maintenance and to ensure strict compliance of “building codes and bylaws”.
“Ensure that all PWD constructions in Delhi strictly adhere to the National Building Code, local bylaws etc. Conduct regular inspections to verify compliance and take enforcement action against any deviations. Make compliance with building codes a non-negotiable policy imperative,” an excerpt from the order by PWD Director read.
Given the seismic risks, the PWD has also highlighted the need for retrofitting critical infrastructure to enhance its earthquake resistance. The department has directed officials to identify vulnerable structures and carry out vulnerability assessments to determine the urgency of retrofitting or seismic upgrading. A detailed plan for these upgrades is expected within the next three months, with implementation set to follow shortly thereafter.
Further, the department has called for a ‘way forward’ report on compliance with building codes and retrofitting efforts by the end of this month.
Delhi