Press Release

UNDP-Omaxe Foundation National Workshop on Earthquake Resistant Structures.

January 16, New Delhi. 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. In order to arrive at a general consensus among the stakeholders i. e. government, architects, engineers, academicians, builders and humanity at large, First time in India, a National Workshop on Earthquake Resistant Structures was inaugurated today by Sh. K M Singh, Hon'ble member- National Disaster Management Authority. Sh. M Ramachnadran (IAS) Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India presided over the function.

Over 150 experts from a cross section of Professional Bodies and Institutions including, UNDP, HUDCO, Geo Hazards International, Delhi College of Engineering, IIT Roorkee and Delhi, School of Planning and Architecture are attending the two day workshop in Delhi. Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology is one of the main sponsors. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which has been in the forefront of a campaign on Disaster management worldwide has played a pivotal role by providing the necessary resource and expertise in organizing this workshop. Ms. Deirdre Boyd Country Representative UNDP was among the prominent personalities present at the occasion.

Prof. A S Arya, National Seismic Advisor to the Government of India, in his address at the workshop said “myths about the cost of safe structures should be cleared during this workshop so that safer buildings are constructed in our country”. Prof. A S Arya has been a major source of inspiration behind this Workshop.

Key issues being deliberated 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.

Sh. Brijesh Kumar (Retd., IAS), an Urban Development expert and Ex- IT Secretary GOI, who is the main coordinator of this initiative is associated with Omaxe Foundation in the capacity of Advisor said “The ultimate objective of the workshop is achieved only when the consensus arrived at the two day seminar is implemented. A comprehensive and holistic approach is to be adopted for evaluating and monitoring purposes”.

Welcoming the honorable guests at the inaugural function of the workshop, the Chairman of Omaxe Foundation Sh. Rohtas Goel said “In the era of vertical growth of building the risk factor has increased and it is the duty of the construction companies to ensure the safety of its occupants by building Earthquake Resistant buildings. This workshop is just a beginning in addressing our commitment towards safer building in the times to come”.

Earthquake related statistics in the Indian context:

• 59% of the country is prone to earthquake.
• Over 1 million houses are destroyed in a year.
• Shallower the earthquake, more the damage.
• Unplanned construction is prone to major loss of life and property.

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 society's act 1860. Sh. Apoorva Joshi Vice Chairman of The Foundation speaking on the objectives of the Foundation said “This is one of our think tank activities where the endeavour is to reach out beyond the boundaries of corporate growth and the reflection of our commitment towards the society as well as the underprivileged”. He further added that “the Foundation working with the spirit of ‘Naye Bharat Ka Nirman Bhi Aur Chaheron Par Muskaan Bhi' 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”.

Today, Omaxe Foundation is geared up to take on the challenges of change and the Foundation is functioning as a vanguard of change, who through community participation is setting new standards of Corporate Social Responsibility and build human and fund capital to usher in the 21 st centuary.

For Further information kindly contact:

Arvind Mohan

Director (Media & Communications),

Mobile-9810279080