National UNDP/Omaxe Foundation workshop on Earthquake Resistant Structures

Dear Sir,

As you are aware that earthquake is the biggest and most painful tragedy that continues to wreck havoc across the world. India has witnessed its massive toll in the form of human beings as well as buildings being razed to ground. In the recent past, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir witnessed its fury.

Our country's beautiful garden Capital of Delhi unfortunately falls in the earthquake belt. Luckily, nothing major has happened so far. But the chances are that the day is not far when Delhi will become more to earthquake damage.

No one can stop Delhi going the Mumbai way in `vertical growth' as increasing populations puts more pressure on its residential and commercial space. More the skyscrapers more are the chances of damage in case of a massive earthquake. This scenario has started worrying policy makers, earthquake scientists, United Nations agencies and real estate companies.

Earthquake related statistics in the Indian context are quite startling:

• 59% of the country is prone to earthquake.
• Over 1 million houses are destroyed in a year.
• Whole of India is prone to earthquakes.
• Shallower the earthquake, more the damage.
• Haphazard and vertical construction.
• The loss of economy every year is roughly Rs.87, 500 crore.

To create awareness so that one lives in safe environment, the United Nations Development Fund in partnership with a non-governmental organization, Omaxe Foundation, has organized two-days National workshop of earthquake resistant structures at:

At India Habitat Center, New Delhi, on January 16-17, 2007.

Inauguration is at 9.30 a.m.

Chief Guest: Prof. N. Vinod Chandra Menon

(Member- National Disaster Management Authority)

Mr. M.Ramachandran, Secretary to Union Ministry of Urban Development will preside over the function.

Among the eminent personalities participating in the workshop include:

• Prof. A.S Arya, National Seismic Advisor, Union Ministry of Home Affairs,
• Mr. Brijesh Kumar (Retd. IAS) Urban Development Expert and former IT Secretary,

• Mr. Sushil Kumar, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP India.
• Mr., Manu Gupta, Director Seeds,
• Mr. Hari Gupta, (National Coordinator) Geo Hazards International,
• Dr. P. S Rana, Ex-Chairman and Managing Director (HUDCO)

We would request you to kindly assign your correspondent and photographer to cover this workshop and extend your valuable support through the powerful media.

For Further information please contact: