End of Course Project: Safe Cities

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1 Safe City - Delhi Page 1 Somya Gupta End of Course Project: Safe Cities Name: SOMYA GUPTA Group: A City: DELHI BACKGROUND INFORMATION The national capital territory of Delhi with an area of 1483sq.km is situated between the Himalayas and Aravalis range in the heart of the Indian sub-continent. It is surrounded on 3 sides by Haryana and to the east, across the river Yamuna by Uttar Pradesh. The major part of the territory lies on the western side of the river Yamuna, only some villages and the urban area of Shahdara lie on the eastern side of the river. Delhi's altitude ranges between 213 to 305 meters. STATISTICS OF MY COMMUNITY: DEMOGRAPHIC: Size: 1483 sq. km approx. Population: 1,37,82,976 Male: 75,70,890 Female: 62,12,086 Gender distribution: Per Capita Income: GDP Growth Rate: 830 females per 1000 males (2001 census) Delhi has the second highest per capita income in the country after Chandigarh. According to figures for from the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), an average Delhi resident earns Rs.51,664 ($1,190) per annum - way above even the industrialised states and the all-india figure of Rs.20, % approximately SOCIO-ECONOMIC: Literacy rate: 81.82% Economic activities: Due to the presence of various shopping malls and large scale markets, private sector jobs serve as the major economic activity in my city. To add to these, the presence of many renowned hospitals, banks, ATM centers and schools make private sector as the dominant economic activity in the region. However some Government institutions like the CGHS Dispensary, MCD schools, and government schools make for the public sector involvement.

2 Safe City - Delhi Page 2 Somya Gupta REVIEW OF MAIN NATURAL HAZARDS TO WHICH THE CITY IS VULNERABLE The region is highly vulnerable to floods, earthquakes, epidemics, strong/ severe winds and droughts but in large residential and market areas Earthquake is a recurrent problem. EARTHQUAKES: Delhi has sustained many earthquake damages in recent times. For instance, Srivastava (1966) mentions of (a) Khurja earthquake (M6.7) of 10 October 1956 in which 23 persons were killed in Bulandshahr and some injured in Delhi; (b) M6.0 earthquake of 27 August 1960 near Delhi wherein about 50 persons in Delhi were injurred; and (c) an earthquake near Moradabad on 15 August 1966 that killed 14 persons in Delhi. Iyengar (2000) also mentions about damage to one of the minarets of Delhi's Jama Masjid during the M4.0 earquakes on 28 July Most recently, the 1999 Chamoli earthquake (M6.5) took place about 280 km from Delhi. Such a moderate earthquake does not normally cause damage at such large distance. And yet, several buildings in Delhi sustained non-structural damage possibility due to peculiar geological and geotechnical features if this area. It is therefore seen that Delhi is prone to severe earthquake damage both by nearby earthquakes and by large earthquakes occurring in the Himalayas. The scientists and engineers need to urgently take up detailed investigations to develop a more quantitative understanding of the seismic hazard faced by Delhi. FOUR MAJOR FLOODS: 1977: Najafgarh drain experienced heavy floods due to discharge from the Sahibi River. Six human lives were lost due to house collapse. 14 persons died in a boat mishap. Crop damage was estimated at 10 million rupees. 1978: (September) River Yamuna experienced a devastating flood. Widespread breaches occurred in rural embankments, submerging 43 sq km of agricultural land under 2 meters of water. The total damage to crops, houses and public utilities was estimated at million rupees. 1988: (September) River Yamuna experienced floods of very high magnitude, flooding many villages and localities like Mukherjee Nagar, Geeta Colony, Shastry Park, Yamuna Bazzar and Red Fort area, affecting approximately 8,000 families. 1995: (September) The Yamuna experienced high magnitude floods following heavy runs in the upper catchment area and resultant release of water from Tajewala water works. Slow release of water from Okhla barrage due to lack of coordination between cross state agencies further accentuated the problem. It badly affected the villages and unplanned settlements situated within the river-bed, rendering approximately 15,000 families homeless. EPIDEMICS: like cholera, gastro-enteritis, hepatitis and malaria manifest themselves in the monsoons i.e. the rainy seasons. However in recent times, my city has been under the threat of fatal diseases like Dengue, Meningococcemia, Chikungunya and Bird Flu. The condition was worse in the year 2006, so much so that almost all the hospitals and nursing homes were occupied with patients suffering either from Dengue fever or Meningitis.

3 Safe City - Delhi Page 3 Somya Gupta INDUSTRIAL AND CHEMICAL HAZARDS: also pose a threat to my city due to the presence of several small scale industries in various commercial areas. Though the sealing drive of the MCD has improved the condition, but still more improvement needs to be done. Till then, the area remains under the threat of industrial hazards. Moreover, the effluents released by these small scale industries, most of which do not follow safety rules, can harm the residents living in the regions in, or the vicinity of these commercial areas. REVIEW OF THE PHYSICAL FACTORS THAT EXACERBATE VULNERABILITY: CLIMATE: My community has an extreme climate; it is very cold in winters and terribly hot in summers. The cold season begins in November. After the middle of March, the weather begins to turn warm and soon it becomes so hot that from April to June one experiences extreme heat when the temperature climbs to 45 o C at times. The monsoon arrives towards the end of June. Delhi has a rainy season in winters also. The weather is generally dry except for 2-3 months of humidity. GEOGRAPHY and TOPOGRAPHY: Delhi lies in the north of India between Latitudes of and North and Longitudes of and East. Delhi is surrounded by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Delhi has an area of 1,483 sq. kms. Its maximum length is kms and greatest width is kms. The Yamuna River and terminal part of the Aravali hill ranges are the two main geographical features of the city. The Aravali hill ranges are covered with forest and are called Ridges; they act as the city s lungs and help maintain Delhi s environment. The Yamuna River is Delhi s source of drinking water and a sacred river for most of the inhabitants. However, the stretch of the river in Delhi from Wazirabad to Okhla is highly polluted. The average annual rainfall in Delhi is 714 mm, three-fourths of which falls in July, August and September. Heavy rainfall in the catchment area of the Yamuna can result in a dangerous flood situation in the city. LAYOUT AND STATE OF THE SEWAGE SYSTEM: In New Delhi, only 55 percent of residents are connected to a sewage system, according to Delhi Jal Board, the government agency responsible for providing drinking water and disposing of waste water. The remainder empties into the Yamuna. In recent years, the government has focused on costly sewage treatment plants in designated areas. Despite the spending of $500 million on these treatment plants, 11 of 17 are underutilized, operating at less than 30 percent capacity, says the Center for Science and Environment. SLUM POPULATION: 0.6 million, out of the 0.6 million JJ units, nearly 62,000 units are estimated to be located in the river bed of Yamuna on both sides of its stretch along Delhi and on the embankments of a few major storm water drains such as Najafgarh drain, Barapulla drain etc. During dry weather these slum dwellers use open areas around their units for defecation. In this way, the entire human waste generated from these 62,000 units along with the additional wastewater generated from their household is discharged untreated into the river Yamuna. There are at least 100,000 street children in New Delhi.

4 Safe City - Delhi Page 4 Somya Gupta DELHI S CURRENT DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: The Government of NCT of Delhi (GoD) recognized the need to have a proactive, comprehensive and sustained approach to disaster management to reduce the detrimental effects of disasters on overall socio-economic development of the State. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS: The DELHI DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (DDMA) is the main controlling body for the disaster management activities of the city. It has been actively involved in reducing the impacts of disasters that may occur in the city and also it aims to make Delhi a disaster resilient city. For overall supervision of the GoI-UNDP Disaster Risk Management programme, which covers all aspects of disaster management, a state steering committee has been setup under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. Working Groups for implementation of the DRM Programme-(i) Prevention and Mitigation (ii) Preparedness and Response, have been approved by Government and have been notified. Each of the groups will consist of sub-groups to deal with awareness generation, capacity building, planning, techno-legal aspects, etc. District Disaster Management Committees have been formed in all districts of Delhi. All districts have being issued funds to be used for disaster management related activities. Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) - 2 State level EOCs are to be established, one at the Delhi Secretariat and the other at the Office of the Divisional Commissioner. All districts have identified space for either permanent or temporary EOC. Construction of EOC has been completed in districts North East, North West, East, Central and South. All district EOCs have been strengthened with necessary communication and IT infrastructure. Act and Policy - The National Disaster Management Act has been enacted. Delhi intends to follow the same. The Draft Disaster Management Policy has been shared with all departments for comments. State Government has identified Fire Safety Management Academy, Rohini as state level nodal institute for conducting Training of Trainers programme in search & rescue, for police and fire personnel. Disaster Management has been mainstreamed into the Plan Scheme of the Government and funds have been earmarked for Disaster Management for the year The Bhagidari Programme envisages voluntary participation of the citizens. It has been given institutional support by creating the Bhagidari Cell in the Chief Minister s office and by designating the General Administration. Department as the Nodal Department to provide financial and administrative support. The Bhagidari Cell has been coordinating the activities covered under Bhagidari as well as in conducting workshops. To make it a sustainable programme, Delhi Government has come up with a detailed plan scheme of Citizen-Government Interface. This covers Bhagidari Workshops, various activities with citizen groups, documentation of the process, printing of monthly newsletter and award scheme for best citizen groups including MTAs & RWAs..

5 Safe City - Delhi Page 5 Somya Gupta TECHNO-LEGAL REGIME: Hazard Safety Cell: Office of the Divisional Commissioner has requested various line departments to nominate experienced engineers to constitute a hazard safety cell within the department. NDMC, DDA and MCD have already constituted Hazard Safety Cells within their departments. Amendment in Urban Development Legislations / Regulations / Bye-laws for incorporating "multi-hazard safety" provisions: A committee constituted by MHA, headed by National Seismic Advisor, Prof. A.S. Arya, has suggested in its report to incorporate Disaster Management provisions in urban development legislations, regulations/bye-laws, by making suitable amendments in Building bye-laws, master plan etc. DDA is looking into the existing provisions and preparing text incorporating Multi Hazard Safety provisions in the Master Plan for Delhi MCD has put up a draft of the new building byelaws, in which amendments as per the recommendations made by the National Expert Committee, have been incorporated. PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLANS AT VARIOUS LEVELS: IT & India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN): More than 1000 records of equipments, skilled manpower and critical supplies have been fed in by the 9 districts of Delhi. A two-day sensitization on DRM programme and IDRN is organized. The Deputy Commissioners and Additional District Magistrates from all nine districts of Delhi had participated in the interactive sessions and presented their valuable suggestions for smooth implementation of the programme. Chemical Disasters: Regarding Chemical Disasters, the Government of NCT of Delhi has been regularly following up with the Local Crisis Groups and the District Crisis Groups. Offsite Emergency Plan for chemical disasters is also being finalized. The nodal ministry for chemical disasters is Ministry of Environment & Forests, GoI and conduct of the mock-drill by rotation every month in districts is also proposed in the plan under finalization. KNOWLEDGE BASED NETWORKING: DDMA has partnerships established with: Civil Defence and Home Guards, Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Indian Red Cross Society, St John Ambulance Brigade, Industrial Bodies, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Indian Industry, Indian Institute of Architects, Institutions of Engineers, Indian Medical Association, Various National and International NGOs.

6 Safe City - Delhi Page 6 Somya Gupta AWARENESS GENERATION AND SENSITISATION: Information, Education and Communication Material have been developed and distributed to all districts, schools, communities, markets, RWAs, offices etc. Disaster Preparedness Months have been celebrated in districts New Delhi, North East, North West, North and South. Disaster Management included in CBSE curriculum for Class VIII, IX and soon to be included for Class X OBSERVANCE OF 'DISASTER PREPAREDNESS MONTH IN NEW DELHI DISTRICT: The District Administration of New Delhi District, Government of Delhi observed the month of August as 'Disaster Preparedness Month' in The ambitious programmes focused on generating awareness among the people about the need to adopt and integrate disaster risk reduction measures to safeguard lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and property to withstand the impact of natural disasters and to initiate disaster preparedness activities in their personal as well as socio-economic life. The programmes were undertaken in association with Police, Delhi Fire Service, Civil Defense, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), schools, market associations, NGOs etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF THE EARTHQUAKES: The country has been classified into different zones indicating the intensity of damage or frequency of earthquake occurrences. The region with intensity less than V is designated as Zone 0. Thus, the designation of area as seismic Zone V indicates activity. Delhi is located in zone IV which has fairly high seismicity where the general occurrence of earthquakes is of 5-6 magnitude, a few of magnitude 6-7 and occasionally of 7-8 magnitude. Delhi thus lies among the high-risk areas. Issues Pockets with high rise buildings or ill-designed highrisk areas exist without specific consideration of earthquake resistance. Similarly, unplanned settlements with sub standard structures are also prone to heavy damage even in moderate shaking.the Central Business District namely Connaught Place, numerous District Centres and sprouting high rise group housing schemes are high risk areas due to the vertical as well as plan configurations. The walled city area, the trans-yamuna area, and scattered pockets of unplanned settlements also figures as high risk zones due to their substandard structures and high densities. As per Vulnerability Atlas of India (1997), for shaking intensity VIII, 6.5% houses in Delhi have high damage risk, and 85.5% houses have moderate damage risk. These estimates are based on very simplistic assumptions. Systematic studies are needed on vulnerability of different types of

7 Safe City - Delhi Page 7 Somya Gupta constructions in the area. This will require experimental studies to evaluate strength, stiffness and ductility of different types of constructions as well as analytical studies such as the Push Over Analysis. Huge number of multi-storey reinforced concrete buildings in Delhi, particularly those with open ground storey to accommodate vehicle parking, could also pose a major challenge in the event of a strong earthquake. There is an urgent need for healthy debates on seismic risk aspects of Delhi and for reasonable assessment of the problem. Studies are needed on seismic hazard evaluation for different types of construction. Using these, seismic risk scenarios must be developed and implementation strategies chalked out for new and old constructions. The efforts required are truly multidisciplinary and should include components on technical training, institutional development, development of technical manuals, legal and enforcement aspects, and public awareness programmes. OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Till date there is lack of efficient legal framework to implement seismic code provisions in Delhi. As a result most of the building in Delhi does not meet code requirements on seismic resistance. Even if new constructions may fulfill the requirement of seismic code provisions in their buildings, still a very large inventory of old buildings will remain deficient for seismic safety. The city must ensure the implementation of building codes. The quality of buildings measured by their seismic resistance has its fundamental importance. LAND USE PLANNING: Damage of buildings depends upon primarily upon the soil conditions and topology of the area which are moderately favorable in the district. Anyhow, to analyze risk within district microzonation planning should take place. It will help to guide modify land use planning in the district accordingly. CAPACITY BUILDING AND AWARENESS GENERATION: There is a need to train architects, engineers, planners and masons in developing safe housing and infrastructure facilities. Manuals need to be developed outlining methodologies for new constructions and retrofitting of old ones. A strong legal and enforcement framework with appropriate incentives and punitive measures is required together with awareness programmes for general public.

8 Safe City - Delhi Page 8 Somya Gupta INSURANCE: Insurance brings quality consciousness in the infrastructure and a culture of safety by insisting to follow building codes, norms, guidelines, quality materials in construction. It would enforce safety standards by bringing accountability. Hazardous area should be announced, notified and publicly displayed so that people would be motivated not to settle in those areas and insurance be mandatory in insurance prone areas. Since many areas are prone to multi-hazards, there should be multi-hazard insurance provisions. PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (PPPs): Public Private Partnerships can be promoted by the Public Sector being the facilitator, Private Sector being involved in the developmental and augmentation works which will be scrutinized and approved by the Public agencies and finally people as watchdogs. In Delhi "Bhagidari", the Citizen s Partnership in Governance is the best example of PPP. 1. It utilizes processes and principles of multi-stakeholders (citizen groups, NGOs, the Government) collaboration 2. It aims to develop joint ownership by the citizens and government of the change process. 3. It facilitates people s participation in governance The following flow chart depicts how the Well-Coordinated and Efficient Disaster Response Plan can function: On the whole, a well coordinated action plan and enthusiastic and aware people along with the help of the government and NGOs etc. can make my community a DISASTER RESILIENT ONE!!! REFERENCE: Course module : Safe Cities, NIDM 4. Discussion Forum, weeks 1,2,3 and 4 Online Course, Safe Cities

9 Safe City - Delhi Page 9 Somya Gupta CBDRM, Central America