In the aftermath of the tragic Nepal earthquake that left more than 6,000 people dead and also shook parts of north India, including Delhi, the city Government has decided to ensure quake-resistant houses and buildings in the national Capital. It has also planned to register qualified structural engineers who would guide residents about such constructions.
This is for the first time when the Government will start registration of structural engineers in the Capital and has prepared a concrete plan to register private structural engineers who people can hire when they build houses and buildings.
The move comes days after Nepal was ravaged by a massive earthquake killing more than 6,000 people. The temblor also shook Delhi, apart from other northern and eastern States, leading to concerns about safety of buildings here.
A senior Government official said that most people do not know how to build quake-resistant houses at present, and this leads them to suffer later. "We have made a plan to register structural engineers so that people could seek their help about construction of quake-resistant structures," said the official adding that it is yet to be decided whether Public Works Department (PWD) or municipal corporations would register such engineers.
Apart from that, the Government has also decided to run a campaign to educate the masses to build quake-resistant houses. Other issues ranging from foolproof scheme for unauthorised colonies, for hospital and school buildings have been mentioned in the plan.
According to an official in the Government, it will send this plan to State disaster management authority chaired by lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung for approval.