2000 buildings to be retrofitted
From Our Correspondent
Agartala: Altogether 2000 buildings including Neer Mahal, Raj Bhavan and Ujjayanta Palace have been identified as potential structures for retrofitting work keeping in mind Tripura’s vulnerability to earthquake.
“In course of a preliminary study, experts identified at least 2000 buildings across the state which need retrofitting given their long existance,” said PWD Minister Badal Chowdhury while talking to media persons at Civil Secretariat here on Wednesday.
Chowdhury also said there is need for further study on the durability of these buildings by the experts. “We have already taken up the issue with the Centre to get these buildings studied thoroughly”, he said adding that experts had already alerted the State Government on the vulnerability of North and Dhalai district after the devastating tremor in Sikkim.
“Though the entire state falls under the seismic zone V, most vulnerable the North and Dhalai district are most vulnerable ”, he said.
Chowdhury said, the experts have also suggested precautionary measures to minimize casualty in case of any major tremor.
Seeking central assistance to become well-equipped, Chowdhury said there is a need to station at least one company National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) here. “ The NDMA had assured of doing the same about three years back but nothing has so far been done”, he pointed out.
“The state is lacking quality disaster management training and infrastructure. The Centre should come forward for developing quality disaster management skills and quality training institute,” he said.