Delhi Can’t Handle a ‘Great Earthquake Disaster’ – Where Does the Problem Lie?

🏢 Delhi Can’t Handle a ‘Great Earthquake Disaster’ – Where Does the Problem Lie?

The recent 4.0-magnitude earthquake in Delhi on February 17 has reignited fears about the city’s preparedness for a major seismic disaster. Residents reported strong tremors that shook buildings for several seconds, highlighting the vulnerability of Delhi’s infrastructure.

Delhi is located in Seismic Zone IV, meaning it is highly prone to earthquake damage. However, experts warn that the city is not equipped to handle a major earthquake. According to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), a large number of buildings do not comply with earthquake-resistant construction standards, making them highly vulnerable to collapse in case of a strong quake.

🚨 Why Is Delhi at High Risk?

Anubrotto Kumar (Dunu) Roy, Director of the Hazards Centre (New Delhi), explains that the current condition of Delhi-NCR’s buildings and infrastructure is “very poor.” He identifies two major problems:

• 🏗️ Rapid Growth of High-Rise Buildings – "Until the 1990s, Delhi was a low-rise, high-density city. Most buildings were 2-3 stories high, which made them relatively safe. But now, high-rises dominate the cityscape, increasing earthquake risks."
• 🏠 Unplanned Urbanization & Unauthorized Colonies – "A large portion of Delhi’s population lives in unauthorized housing, lacking proper structural integrity and safety approvals."

Anil Bansal, an urban planning expert, further elaborates:

• 📉 Weak enforcement of building regulations has led to unsafe construction practices.
• 🏚️ Millions of residents live in structurally weak buildings, especially in slums and unauthorized colonies.
• 🚧 Poor planning and lack of earthquake-resistant infrastructure worsen the problem.

🛠️ How Can Delhi Prepare for a Major Earthquake?

Experts emphasize that while earthquakes cannot be prevented, stronger urban planning, stricter building regulations, and retrofitting old buildings can significantly reduce casualties.

🏗️ Solutions for Earthquake Safety

• 📐 Triangulation & Earthquake-Resistant Design – Implementing stable triangular structures enhances safety.
• 🛠️ Retrofitting Existing Buildings – Strengthening weak structures can prevent collapses.
• 🚨 Decentralized Emergency Response – Creating local disaster response teams at every 100th house.
• 🏛️ Stronger Government Policy & Strict Building Code Enforcement
• 📢 Public Awareness Campaigns – Teaching residents about earthquake preparedness and emergency evacuation procedures.

⚠️ What Can Residents Do?

While government action is crucial, individuals must also take steps to ensure safety:

• 🏠 Ensure homes meet seismic safety standards
• 🔦 Keep an earthquake emergency kit ready (food, water, flashlight, first-aid, etc.)
• 🚪 Identify safe spots at home (door frames, under sturdy tables)
• 📢 Stay informed about earthquake drills

📢 Urgent Action Needed!

“Delhi possesses the necessary policies and frameworks to mitigate seismic risks, but without immediate and sustained action, a catastrophe is inevitable,” warns Bansal.

• 🏗️ Strict enforcement of earthquake-resistant construction standards
• 👷 Improved urban planning & infrastructure development
• 📢 Greater public awareness & preparedness programs

🔴 The recent tremors are a wake-up call. Delhi must act now before a devastating earthquake strikes!

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