Chennai buildings built without seismic activity factors pose threat

26 Aug 2021 CW Team

Chennai, which falls below the seismic zone III, is classified as a moderate risk zone. According to the experts, there is a need for scaling up buildings to make them earthquake-resistant. So that residents are safe in the event of a natural calamity.

The infrastructure constructed over a decade ago is unlikely to pass for the current seismic needs of the National Building Code, updated based on the frequency of earthquakes.

As per the experts, the magnitude effect of the earthquake on the structures would have been higher if the epicentre was near its coast.

T M Ramakrishnan, the Chennai structural engineer, told the media that older buildings did undergo damages in such situations.

The engineer said that there is a lack of awareness about the seismic parameters for homes besides looking for public transport, water, etc.

The buildings built over a decade ago should be fixed to comply with seismic codes and designs. Ramakrishnan revealed that retrofitting now is very common in cities like Mumbai and Delhi.

The Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules has laid down norms for adhering to the National Building Code for constructions varying from single storey to multi-storey buildings.

The former chairman of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (CREDAI) told the media that developers have shifted to Mivan technology to make buildings earthquake-resistant.

Image Source

Also read: Buildings can now be developed within a year using new tech

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..