Delhi Govt to build quake resistant buildings

New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) As Delhi falls under Zone-IV seismic zone, the Delhi Government has decided to construct all major Government buildings with most advanced earthquake resistant technology, said Urban Development Minister A K Walia.

He made this statement while inspecting a quake resistant building being constructed using the base isolation technology in the Government-run Guru Tegh Bahadur hospital.

Dr Walia said the Government has also decided to construct the Dwarka Hospital Building and OPD Block Lok Nayak Hospital with base isolation technology which entails an additional expense of only three per cent above the normal cost.

The base isolation technology would function as a shock-absorber and building above the bearing blocks will not feel any jerk of earthquake.

The Government has decided to make five important existing Government buildings-- Divisional Commissioner's Office, Ludlow Castle School, GTB Hospital, Police Headquarter and Delhi Secretariat suitably quake resistant with retro fitted technology.

Other quake resistant technologies would also be considered keeping in view condition of existing building.

GTB Hospital would be second of such building in the country and would be commissioned next year.

Dr Walia also inaugurated the installation of Bearing Block in foundation beam at the site of New Ward Block at GTB Hospital.

This block would have a 500-bedded ward and an Operation Theatre.

UNI