Post tremors, Gurugram pushes for quake-resistant buildings

Tribune News Service
Gurugram, June 30

In the backdrop of 17 earthquakes hitting Delhi NCR in the past three months and Gurugram being cited as being the un-safest, the local administration and disaster management authority is emphasising on earthquake-resistant structures.

City in Seismic zone IV

Gurugram DC is including footer notes on all sale and purchase deeds and registries warning the people about the city being in seismic zone IV

Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram, is including footer notes on all sale and purchase deeds and registries warning the people about the city being in seismic zone IV.

“We are in seismic zone IV and are highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Thus, while making houses, buying or selling properties, keep this in mind. We suggest that you consult a structural engineer,” reads the note.

Not only the advisory but authorities like District Town Planning (DTP), Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) and Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) also have started putting stringent earthquake-resistant structural parameters in place before approving any buildings.

Architects have been apprised to design keeping the same in mind and earthquake resistance has been made a key factor in the issuance of structural safety certificate to any building.

“Forewarned is forearmed. The recent tremors, though of moderate or low magnitude, should make people alert. Those buying properties or making new ones should know that we are in high-risk zone. Similarly, the existing structures, the high-rises should do a quality check and take necessary steps,” said DC Amit Khatri.

On facing regular tremors, Gurugram authorities, had in 2015-16, taken up earthquake safety on top priority and found a majority of high-rises risky. However, with no major tremors over the years, the efforts were shelved.

Gurugram, along with Delhi, falls in zone IV which is second-most earthquake-threatened seismic zone. According to experts, Gurugram is at higher risk than Delhi. While Delhi sits on top of three active seismic fault lines, Gurugram sits on seven, making it the riskiest area in Delhi NCR. If any of these becomes active, it can cause an earthquake of up to 7.5 magnitude.

In 1960, an earthquake with epicentre along the Delhi-Gurugram border of 6.2 magnitude had damaged nearly 200 structures.