| All India Workshop on Earthquake Resistant Structures
in Partnership with UNDP
On January 16, 17, 2007, at India Habitat Center, New Delhi.
Omaxe Foundation a Non–Government Organization (NGO) in Partnership with UNDP is organizing a two day All India Workshop on January 16, 17 in New Delhi. The aim of the workshop is to generate consensus among the cross section of stakeholders which include, government, architects, engineers, academicians and builder community at large.
The aim of the conference is to create a platform through which issues relating to Earthquake Resistant Structures can be discussed between the various experts and builders. The conference intends to bring both the academicians and practitioners in a common forum and start a process of interaction between the two. The conference plans to create unanimity among the stakeholders of the industry. It is believed that the experts have knowledge and the builders have the experience of practical work, creation of such an opportunity would enable the blend of both the academics and practice and thus help in exploring the solutions for the problem.
Key topics to be discussed during the two day workshop include:
• Awareness of Earthquake Resistant Construction among stakeholders.
• Addressing needs and capacity building of Professionals and Construction Artisans.
• Current Building Code Theory and Seismic Design approaches by the construction Industry.
• Cost implications and role of various financial institutions with reference to Earthquake related constructions.
Eminent personalities from institutions, government and non-governmental organizations, engineering and architectural colleges, IITs would exchange their experiences, views and contribute in the workshop. United Nations Development Programme India (UNDP India) has agreed to provide their expertise and resources for organizing this two day workshop.
Among the eminent personalities participating in the workshop include:
- Mr. Brijesh Kumar (Retd., IAS) Urban Development Expert and Former IT Secretary, who is also associated with the Foundation as member of the Advisory Committee is spearheading the entire initiative.
- Professor A.S. Arya, National Seismic Advisor, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt., of India. The Key note speaker.
- Mr. Sushil Kumar, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP India,
- Rajeev Iassar Programme Associate, UNDP (India)
- Mr. Manu Gupta, Director Seeds
- Hari Gupta, (National Coordinator) Geo Hazards International
- Dr. P S Rana Ex-Chairman and Managing Director (HUDCO)
- Mr. Malay Chatterjee, ED (HUDCO)
The earthquake problem of Indian sub-continent is rather well known. India was amongst the first countries to start earthquake engineering research and teaching in the late 1950's. Since then the major initiatives have been taken pertaining to different aspects of the profession, e.g., teaching and research at University of Roorkee, development and publication of Indian seismic codes for earthquake resistant construction, installation and operation of strong motion instruments and seismological observatory, and successful design and construction of many civil engineering projects of national importance in high seismic areas. However, these activities involved only a very small group of persons and/or organizations. The professional interaction across these groups and across the allied interest groups did not grow.
In some parts of the world, however, where earthquakes are common, people have incorporated the critical elements of quake-resistance in their traditional construction method. By encouraging and adopting Earthquake Resistant Design and Structures in our construction we can save 75% of casualties taking place due to earthquakes. The number of casualties has increased double folded in the past two centuries due to earthquakes, according to experts the construction of sky rocketing buildings are much bigger threat to the society today than ever.
The space is shrinking and construction is going vertical and the concept of multistoried buildings is here to stay. Besides clusters of houses as the population is growing in big town and cities, localized construction is another important factor. The negative fall out of this “unplanned” growth would ultimately be disastrous in the event of any earthquake. There has been a serious lack of preparedness for the earthquake disaster mitigation.
According to Prof. C V R Murthy, of IIT Kanpur the loss of life accounts for over 75% in any such eventuality due to construction only. India's 59% of land is prone towards earthquakes. The seismic zones identified include many big cities and towns such as Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bhubneshwar, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Patna, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Shimla, Gawuhati, and Lucknow. Over the last Centaury over 75% of casualties have taken place due to damage and fall of houses alone.
It has become all the more important today as The National Disaster Management Authority, where the Prime Minister is the head of the body has cleared a set of guidelines which are going to be announced shortly. As per these guidelines it would be mandatory for both private and public to follow seismic codes and safety standards in the business of construction.
A number of studies and practical application of the various strategies are available in various countries. Many countries like Japan have done a lot of work in this regard. However India lags behind other countries in evolving a comprehensive strategy that can be made available to the various actors involved in the real estate sector. Although India was one of the first countries to start Earthquake Engineering course and a number of studies have been made available by various experts in the field but builders do not undertake such measures. A need is thus felt to arrive at a consensus about the usage of the techniques and understanding various strategies with their financial implications and their practicality.
One cannot find solutions to Earthquake but can create structures so the amount of devastations can be minimized and it is with this idea that the Omaxe Foundation has come up with the idea to hold a conference of the various experts with the builders to find a practical strategy to minimize the destruction.
Omaxe Foundation has received a proposal from UNDP India regarding the opening of Resource Centre and also train Omaxe personnel in Earthquake Resistant Design and Structures. We plan to start with one such centre in Delhi shortly.
In addition to the above Omaxe foundation had organized two workshops to train the group's personnel. The first workshop was held on 14-15 December 06', for Civil Engineers, Project Managers, and Architects conducted by UNDP (India) Resource Persons. The second training programme for the Maisons and other supplementary staff at the construction site of Omaxe Citadel, Jasola was conducted from 16 th to 20 th December 2006 by an eminent specialist Mr. P K Das.
The Foundation has already initiated a dialogue with prominent institutions like IITs, and School of Planning and Architecture for looking at the scope to provide scholarships especially to the underprivileged students in the area of Earthquake Resistant Structures and encourage them in making their dreams come true.
Omaxe Foundation is a non profit organization registered under the societies act 1860. Rohtas Goel, Chairman, Omaxe Foundation said that “the endeavour is to reach out beyond the boundaries of corporate growth”. Enthused with the spirit of “Naye Bharat Ka Nirman Bhi Aur Chaheron Par Muskaan Bhi” being the main aim, the Foundation proposes to take it forward and plans to work in synchronization with various organizations to initiate activities that would not only help spread awareness but also help them generate funds to achieve social welfare objectives.
The changing socio-economic scenario in the country is offering new challenges and opportunities for addressing varied community needs. Today, Omaxe Foundation is geared up to take on the challenges of change and move ahead by setting new standards of Corporate Social Responsibility. The Foundation would function as a vanguard of change, who through community participation aims to build human and fund capital to usher in a new India of 21 st century.
For Further information kindly contact:
Arvind Mohan
Director (Media & Communications)
9810279080 |
