An earthquake of high intensity, and Delhi and other high-risk cities could be reduced to a mound of rubble. Despite the imminent danger, the Centre, instead of taking action, would rather pass the onus of ensuring safe buildings on to its citizens (see interview). Over a year ago, the Union home ministry drafted a model for town and country planning legislation for states straddling fault lines. Not a single state government has yet passed this legislation. Even Delhi—living under the constant threat of losing tens of thousands of lives in a killer quake—is still grappling with a draft bill to amend its municipal corporation bylaws.
In the wake of the ’01 Gujarat quake, the Centre had admitted that "the earthquake-resistant design codes are generally not followed except by some government departments". The Bureau of Indian Standards revised its code IS:1893 in ’02. But the model legislation of September ’04—which could enforce the codes and instil discipline and accountability among authorities, builders and professionals—is taking too long to enter the statute books. Here’s how the proposed law would help property buyers: