DDA Mandates Structural Safety Audits for Older High-Rise Buildings
As per the order given by the Delhi Development
Authority, all high-rise buildings constructed before the year 2001 need to be
mandatorily audited for structural safety. This decision has been considered as
yet another step taken by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in making the
city a safe place by carrying out the structural
safety audit of all old high-rise buildings in the city.
Focus on Pre-2001 Buildings
This decision has been made considering the
fact that there are many buildings in the city which require structural safety
check, especially buildings which are more than 15 meters in height and have
been approved or constructed prior to March 21, 2001. Given the architectural
history of the city, this step would definitely ensure structural safety of the
old buildings in the city. This step has been welcomed by both the urban
planners and the citizens of the city.
Structural Engineering and Safety Assessment
This new process suits perfectly well with the
existing scientific techniques provided in the literature on structural
engineering, including literature on models of earthquake-resistant
construction in the Nature Journal.
Role of Structural Engineers
The inspection should be done by complement
structural engineers employed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) or
any other government department so as to meet the highest technical standards. The
systematic process is important in offering necessary help for the necessary
retrofitting even though the property owner will be expected to pay for the
assessment costs.
Retrofitting and Building Safety
It is a systematic process that greatly
enhances the value and safety of old buildings since it offers the community an
official method of upgrading their Building.
Public and Residential Buildings Included in
Safety Drive
The safety plan includes public places that
attract lots of people on a day-to-day basis along with the residential
complexes.
Buildings Covered Under the Audit
Notable pre-2001 constructions like shopping
malls, cooperative group housing societies, community halls, hospitals,
schools, etc., will also be audited at the same time. The inclusion of both the
private and public places in the system makes the governance system a very
considerate one regarding the well-being of citizens. It ensures prompt
compliance from the part of the property owners and makes the city a very
resilient and modern capital.
Summary
In order to ensure comprehensive preparations
for earthquakes, the Delhi
Development Authority has issued a
deadline of three months for structural safety inspections of public buildings
and old high-rises.
