SOS: Save Our Souls through sustainable development

Yumjao and Malem *

Manipur Earthquake : Aftermath of earthquake at Saikhul, Sadar Hills on Jan 4 2016 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

This writing is a small attempt to sensitise the readers on the need to adopt healthy practices in their everyday lives. This includes practices friendly to the environment in both small and big ways; starting from not littering wastes at undesired places to the practice of inculcating the concept of green building at private buildings as well as large development projects.

It is based on the belief that we as individuals and as members of the society and government can either help or harm our present and future, depending on the choices we make at each level.

In the context of the recent earthquake, the focus here is mainly on earthquake related practices in constructing safe buildings. Disaster Management finds the least mention when we plan building construction, road construction or even in normal conversations.

This reflects the level of ignorance and indifference prevalent in Manipur, and is highly dangerous given the fact that we live in a region highly vulnerable to one of the most destructive disaster, earthquake.

Earthquake: Earthquakes can be caused by many factors, the details of which will not be dealt with in this writing. However, it is important to note that Manipur is situated in earthquake zone-V. This means that the highest level of devastation due to earthquake could happen in our state.

With the wake of the recent earthquake in the early morning of 4th January 2016, time has come for all of us to start this new year with a new awakening and resolve to practice safe and sustainable design in construction of infrastructure (private residential buildings, public buildings, etc.). This constitutes the practice of disaster preparedness.

It means to minimise the damage caused by disaster. Here it may be noted that disaster management constitutes three main aspects; disaster prevention, disaster preparedness and disaster responses. Disaster prevention includes efforts aimed at preventing disasters.

Disaster preparedness does not aim at preventing disasters, it includes efforts to minimise the damages caused by any disaster, as stated above, but before the occurrence of any disaster. Disaster responses deal with maximising the potential to respond efficiently to a disaster that has occurred.

Building Design as a means of disaster preparedness:–

While planning the construction of any new building, more weightage should be given to safety provisions that will help in withstanding the impact of earthquake/fire. The following minimum procedure must be taken care of

1. Approval of Drawing (Building Plan) by local bodies such as CFO (Chief Fire Officer) besides many others.

2. Proper selection of building sites with the guidance of engineers, architects and other experts in the relevant field.

3. Soil testing reports.

4. Proper structure design including earthquake resistant design.

5. Refuge area on upper floor.

6. Escape staircase outside the building for use in times of emergency.

7. Self-illuminated signages.

8. Proper protection of electrical installations.

9. Fire fighting system.

10. Environmental clearance.

11. Right choice of building construction material.

12. Strict bye-laws for building construction.

Easier implementation of above measures for the general public: Given the complexities involved in the above measures, the government can simplify by making innovative use of technology and new ideas.

1. Government can pursue some detailed studies and publish the reports/data online, such as updated soil testing reports and right construction materials on a regular basis. This will make safe building construction easier and affordable to a large extent.

2. Government as well as universities and private institutes can publish updated master-plan online showing demarcations of various areas suitable for different purposes such as residential, institutional, commercial, agricultural, etc.

3. Government must duly verify reports which are meant for public use.

4. Government must pursue "Carrot and Stick Policy" to encourage sustainable practices, with zero tolerance to rule-breakers, especially land encroachment.

5. Government, media and NGOs can pursue vigorous awareness campaigns to the public at every locality or Leikai on the benefits and penalties regarding the above rules, as well as on the need to check if an online report has been verified or not.

6. Government must conduct surprise inspections on a regular basis. Here, help of local clubs and organisations will help in distinguishing between law breakers and law obeyers. Disaster resistant building need not necessarily be expensive or time-consuming.

We live in the age of information where loads of information and knowledge are at our fingertips on the internet. Today, almost every adolescent has a smart-phone, Facebook, Watsapp are household words. So, with a little diligence and far-sightedness, we can construct safe buildings to house safe homes, safe schools, safe offices, etc. Buildings take care of us.

Therefore, we must take care of our buildings so that they protect us even in times of disasters such as earthquake, fire, etc. Hence, all the stakeholders including builders and building owners must feel the need of safety provisions and ensure that they are provided invariably during construction. Construct safe and stay safe.