High-rise building a threat for people in seismic-prone Dehradun

With an increasing number of locals in Uttarakhand vying each other for high-rise buildings, the lives of several people in Dehradun, are under threat as the region lies in the earthquake prone zone. Officials with the Geological Survey of India have observed that unavailability of land is the root cause of the problem. As such, there has been excessive vertical expansion for the construction of houses and other buildings.

By Asheesh Goel

Dehradun, July 29 : With an increasing number of locals in Uttarakhand vying each other for high-rise buildings, the lives of several people in Dehradun, are under threat as the region lies in the earthquake prone zone. Officials with the Geological Survey of India have observed that unavailability of land is the root cause of the problem. As such, there has been excessive vertical expansion for the construction of houses and other buildings.

Dr P. C. Nawani, Director of Geological Survey of India in Dehradun, said. "Since land is not available, multi-storeyed buildings are being made. The evaluation about where there should be multi-storeyed, single-storeyed or green belt has been made in the reports. If an earthquake occurs, the areas likely to be affected have been stated."According to Minister for Disaster Management, Diwakar Bhatt, constructions at the village outskirts that are not under seismic zone cause much disaster to the areas during earthquakes.

Bhatt said: "As far as my village is concerned, the constructions have been done considering the earth-quake factor. These things can come in areas around such villages that are being used for tourism, developmental works, housing and lodging. I have asked for a report stating how much of damage it would create and affect the administration."

Many residents are urging the Government to refrain from permitting house construction exceeding the fixed limit not exceeding the standard two to three storeys.

Chandra Singh, a resident, said: "Four to five storeys are not good. Earthquake can occur anytime, which will create a lot of destruction. Two to three storeys should be made. Since, it comes under seismic zone, permission to make multi-storeys should not be given."Many people maintain that the State Government and the local administration are responsible for such disasters, since a commoner is often unaware of the catastrophic effects.

Hoshiarchand Ramoul, another resident, said: "The government authorities are equally culprit as much as the people constructing such buildings are. The government should check how much is okay in hilly areas like Mussoorie, Chamba, New Tehri and Uttarkashi. Those exceeding the limit should be banned and strict action should be taken against them."

There are on an average 200 quakes of small magnitude that occur annually in the Uttarakhand region alone.

ANI