The Centre seems to be dragging its feet as far as keeping buildings safe from earthquakes is concerned eventhough India is one of the most earthquake-prone nations.

Experts allege that while internationally earthquake protection has been classified in four categories, in India there is just one. In case a developer follows the Indian seismic building code to the fullest, the building would achieve ‘collapse prevention level?.

The term ‘collapse prevention’ is disguised by using alternate words like earthquake resistant, say experts.

‘Collapse prevention’ buildings sustain extensive structural damage during an earthquake, which renders them unfit for use. These building have to be immediately vacated, demolished and rebuilt.

Internationally, ‘collapse prevention’ is the last of the four categories, the other ones being operational, immediate occupancy and life-safety.

Does this mean we are waiting for another Bhuj to jolt us? The question assumes significance in the light of the recent collapse of a seven-storey building in Mumbai as well as the government go-ahead to cities going vertical, especially in the Delhi Master Plan 2021.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi recently accepted bids for constructing the tallest building in the Capital.

As property prices have already hit the roof, buying a house means committing entire lifetime’s savings for most people. Therefore, building tall towers is good, but ensuring that they are earthquake resistant is imperative?

Says Sandeep Donald Shah, director, Taylor Devices (India), “Simply stating that a building is earthquake resistant is meaningless. It does not say anything about the building?s performance during an earthquake, its post-quake use and the magnitude and kind of damage it will sustain.?

It will come as a surprise to most that earthquake resistance has not been defined till date in our country. Neither the national disaster management guidelines nor the Indian seismic code have even attempted to address the issue.

AS Arya, national seismic advisor, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), ministry of home affairs, said there was no difference between the four international levels and the quake resistance norms enforced by the Centre.

NDMA member NVC Menon said, “The talk of the four levels prevalent abroad is being perpetrated by MNCs who want to sell their technology in India. They have a hidden agenda.?