Quake Up Call – Turkiye, Syria impact magnified by poor construction. India must ensure building codes are followed

Source: The post is based on the article “Quake Up Call – Turkiye, Syria impact magnified by poor construction. India must ensure building codes are followed” published in The Times of India on 9th February 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Disaster Management.

Relevance: About earthquake-resistant construction.

News: Recently, an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck south-central Turkey and Northwest Syria. Poor construction and rampant violation of building code is the primary reason for widespread damages in Turkey and Syria.

Around 59% of India is prone to earthquakes of different magnitudes – 11% in the very high-risk Zone V to 30% in Zone III. Hence, earthquake-resistant construction is essential in India to avoid such damage.

About the earthquake in Turkey

About the status of earthquake-resistant construction in India

India doesn’t have norms for earthquake-resistant construction. As they require 3-4% extra of the total construction cost for residential buildings and 2-3% extra for offices.

Even though National Building Code (NBC) 2016 has a specific section on earthquake-resistant design and construction. But there’s no law asking for compliance.

For instance, In Delhi an estimated 90% of buildings are at risk of collapsing in case of a strong earthquake.

What should be done to ensure earthquake-resistant construction?

Earthquakes can’t be predicted, but measures to minimise loss of lives must be prioritised. This can be done by a) There needs to be greater public awareness about NBC guidelines to boost voluntary compliance, b) Municipalities should be encouraged to adopt NBC guidelines in their building bye-laws, making them mandatory.