Disasters Don't Kill, Collapsing Buildings Do!

Special Story on LACK OF STRUCTURAL SAFETY

Heart-rending incidents of failing structures leading to immense loss of human lives are on the rise. In Mumbai alone, there are reports of a major building collapse every few weeks. Recently more than 40 people were trapped in the collapse of a three-story building in south Mumbai. Research reveals that about 500 buildings in the city are similarly vulnerable.

While we are progressing at a fast pace, structural safety concerns of buildings are getting less and less attention, it seems. Buildings are collapsing even due to rain! At least 17 persons were killed when recently in Coimbatore, heavy downpour led to the final collapse of few already structurally weak houses.

In most parts of the country, structural safety concerns are totally ignored. Around 40% of people are living without any structural safety certificate, according to a private survey. In fact, 18% of them do not even know what the certification is about. It is only after some calamity that we tend to take notice of the seismic compliance, structural safety and/or, earthquake-resistant certificate of a building, etc.

Majority of people never demand such a certificate for their homes and this lack of awareness encourages private builders to exploit the safety requirements. Things fall apart when even a heavy downpour leads to a collapse and loss of lives.