STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM FOR BUILDING CODES IN SHIMLA

In fact, there should be first priority to follow the building code. Now, the next one is review the building code and study about the addition/ change of any procedure as per current requirement.

As per the seismic zone sensitivity, first it should be clear that new construction should be safe enough, with more factor of safety. Yes, I am saying here for additional safety of factor because in previous traditions, safety factor was being calculated as per past records while in new era, climate change is rapid and we can't avoid any unwanted situation. Therefore factor of safety is the most necessary point.

Apart from this, emergency route should be clear and marked, buildings with single floor will be beneficial, some distance over two buildings and more open space in building will be required.

Periodic inspection for building's health, its resistance capacity, soil conditions should be checked and any additional arrangement should be done as per requirement.

Shimla is one of the most famous hill station of India, and as per the increasing numbers of tourists every year, many new shops and hotels will try to set up their units there, which will require more land and construction. Due to these, there will be a change in characteristic of mountain's grip and resistance, internal cracks may develop because stones are hard and easy digging is not possible, so there should be stringent regulations over land laws as well as digging/drilling techniques.

 

(Published as a response over a query by UN development initiative team in India )