NAGPUR: Builders can get the occupation certificate (OC) for their structures only if the quake-resistant norms are followed, said experts after strong tremors were felt in the city following an earthquake with a 5.3 magnitude on the Richter Scale in neighbouring Telangana state on Wednesday morning.
TOI talked to structural engineers who said a declaration that the norms will be complied with has to be submitted at the time of getting the building plan approved by Nagpur Municipal Corporation. Later, when the structure is ready, a certificate of compliance has to be submitted to obtain the occupation certificate for the structure.
Nagpur comes under zone 2 in seismic classification. This is the safest, with areas under zone 5 having the highest risk. Earlier, Latur and even neighbouring Jabalpur were under zone 2, but were later covered under zone 3 after earthquakes hit the places during the 1990s.
“There are separate norms for buildings, water tanks, and even important structures like dams,” said Virendra Dehadrai, a structural engineer.
PS Patankar, a structural engineer, said if the norms are followed, the structures can be safe for quakes up to 6 magnitude on the Richter scale. In the case of multi-storey buildings, it is recommended to take additional precautions ensuring resistance up to 7 on the Richter scale, even if the area is in the zone 2.
The quake-resistant structures may shake during an earthquake but not collapse, said a builder.
