Way to go before buildings turn terror-proof

Highrises in Mumbai have been targets of terror attacks since the 1993 serial blasts,but it was only after 26/11 that the government decided to draft Security Control Rules.

Rules wait for nod from CM,resisted by builders

Highrises in Mumbai have been targets of terror attacks since the 1993 serial blasts,but it was only after 26/11 that the government decided to draft Security Control Rules for terror-proof buildings. Two years on,even that is stuck,with detailed rules and manuals yet to be enforced.

They are waiting for sanction from the Chief Minister,amid resistance from developers lobbies to provisions that would raise construction cost by 20 to 30 per cent.

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The rules prepared by the government-appointed Merani Committee were ready four months after the siege of the Taj and the Oberoi,and have been awaiting the CMs nod since January this year.

The rules specify a structures minimum distance from the road,which would mean a loss of floor space index for the developer. Various measures to help buildings withstand the shock of explosions,if implemented,would raise construction costs,a government official said.

The rules define vulnerable buildings as all institutional,educational,medical buildings with a built-up area of over 10,000 sq m,shopping malls,religious buildings,star category hotels,exclusive business buildings,hazardous buildings,assembly buildings and any other buildings as identified from time to time by the appropriate authority (BMC in Mumbai).

The norms pertain to thickness of walls,security requirements,parking and use of shatter proof material. Four manuals too were prepared,dealing with evacuation,redundant design (this will allow parts of a building to stand even after the rest has collapsed),digitised floor plans (with copies with the fire brigade and the police) and blast-resistant structures.

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The height and exits of such buildings have to be facilitate complete evacuation in 30 minutes; they should be able to withstand a certain TNT equivalent (the energy released in explosions).

The Mumbai Police has started the process of putting together digitised maps of 314 public buildings they have identified as vulnerable. We are sure the new Chief Minister will give his consent soon, said TC Benjamin,principal secretary,Urban Development.

Stronger,Safer

Suggested rules include:

*2-m-high compound wall

*Armour-plating on exposed columns

*Bulletproof security outpost with electronic surveillance systems

*Vehicles should drop visitors 9m from building

*No basements parking unless columns are steel-armoured and highly fire-resistant

*Digitised building plans

*Shatterproof panels,windows,glazing and cladding

*Separate entry and exit points for people and goods

*CCTV coverage

*Collapse-resistant structures even in case of partial building collapse