National Framework for Structural Safety Audit and Seismic Resilience of Buildings
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs informed the Lok Sabha about the existing framework for structural safety audits and seismic resilience of buildings. This highlights the government's advisory role in promoting building safety standards across states and UTs.
Background
Urban planning, including building plan approval and enforcement of building by-laws, is a function of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Urban Development Authorities as per the 12th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The central government supports states through model regulations, technical standards, and advisories.
Key facts
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) published the Model Building Bye-Laws (MBBL) 2016, with Chapter 6 covering structural safety provisions and guidelines for seismic resistance.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has formulated standards like IS 1893 (Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures) and IS 4326:2013 (Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction of Buildings).
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs issued 'National Disaster Management Guidelines for Management of Earthquakes', covering safe construction, structural strengthening, retrofitting, and protection of lifeline infrastructure.
Periodic structural and seismic safety audits, building inspection systems, and compliance enforcement fall under the jurisdiction of states, UTs, and ULBs.
The information was provided in a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu.
Prelims pointers
- 12th Schedule of Indian Constitution: urban planning, building plan approval, enforcement of building by-laws are functions of ULBs.
- Model Building Bye-Laws (MBBL) 2016: published by MoHUA, Chapter 6 on structural safety.
- BIS standards: IS 1893 (earthquake resistant design criteria), IS 4326:2013 (code of practice for earthquake resistant design and construction).
- NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority under Ministry of Home Affairs; issued earthquake management guidelines.
- MoHUA: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- BIS: Bureau of Indian Standards under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Mains angles
- GS3 Disaster Management: Discuss the role of central and state governments in ensuring seismic safety of buildings.
- GS2 Polity: Examine the division of powers between Centre and states in urban planning and building regulation as per the 12th Schedule.
- GS3 Urban Development: Evaluate the effectiveness of model building bye-laws and BIS standards in promoting safe construction practices.