It was a normal Saturday (April 25, 2015) when millions across India and Nepal were either in their homes relaxing or in their offices. Around 11:40AM the earth shook..and shook for a while until the realisation sunk in that it was an earthquake; and people across the impacted regions ran for open space. Some ran out successfully while others lay under collapsed roofs. while no casualty was reported in Delhi, Nepal where the epicentre lay was severely affected and so were Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Coming back, another 30-35 min later, the earthquake reoccurred and it was then that images began flowing in from Nepal about the mass destruction that has happened. Cracked roads, fallen roofs, screaming and crying people, destructed monuments and temples etc. The sight was to say the least scary. the capital city of Kathmandu lay flat... the earthquake measured 7.9 on the Richter scale with epicentre 68KM east of Pokhara. The city continued to witness several earthquakes in the next few days. the iconic Dharahara tower collapsed, so did Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple, Kathmandu; Vatsala Shikhara Temple, Bhaktapur; Maju Deval, Katmandu etc.
72 hours hence, over 4000 have died, 8000 injured. Nepal PM has warned that the toll could reach 10000 with the UN already pegging the total number of affected people at over 8 million.
Within hours, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi sprung into action and dispatched relief and rescue workers. The operations have only strengthened over the days with more international aid flowing in. Thousands of Indians have been evacuated from Nepal.
Back home, the toll has risen to over 70 with fresh tremors occurring as late as last evening (April 27, 2015) in parts of Bihar and West Bengal. Maximum casualty happened in Bihar.
Amidst all this, the question that arises is - how safe is Delhi? Delhi lies in Seismic IV zone - highly prone to earthquake. the large scale unorganised and unregulated colonies that have mushroomed in the city over the last few decades could cause major destruction to life and property if an earthquake of that magnitude occurred?
It is serious cause of concern for us in Delhi NCR to take corrective steps. While this has made even homebuyers cautious, in ensuring earthquake resistant structures are in place and other precautionary measures have been taken care of. What needs to be curbed is the unorganised construction that's happening across the capital. Stricter compliance by authorities will instil confidence in the people. Besides, old housing societies must be encouraged for redevelopment. The authorities, developers and buyers have to cohesively work towards ensuring a safe Delhi. However, to say that real estate will be impacted is an overstatement. Home is a necessity and its important that all stakeholders must apply and comply to keep the city and surrounding safe.
Mohit
Goel | CEO, Omaxe Limited
