A study conducted by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, the National Institute of Technology in Srinagar, and RIMT University in Punjab have found that residential buildings in the northern part of Jammu city, located on the right bank of the Tawi river, are highly vulnerable to earthquakes. The study assessed the seismic vulnerability of residential buildings in Jammu City by analysing five factors: building density, population ratio, building height, building age, and construction material. The researchers collected data from 225 buildings in 75 wards and prepared separate seismic vulnerability maps based on the analysed factors. The study found that the northern part of the city is more vulnerable compared to the southern part, and one-third of Jammu falls under the high to very high vulnerability class. The study suggested retrofitting processes to decrease the vulnerability of these residential structures and prevent catastrophic damage from future earthquakes. The findings can also be applied to the construction of new residential structures in seismically active areas. Retrofitting refers to the process of making changes to existing structures, such as residential buildings, bridges, and historical buildings, to enhance their ability to withstand seismic events such as earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, floods, and thunderstorms. It involves modifying the building’s systems or structure after it has been constructed and occupied, which can improve amenities for occupants and enhance the building’s overall performance. In the case of RCC (reinforced concrete) structural members, retrofitting is performed to restore the strength of deteriorated concrete elements and prevent further damage. This deterioration may be caused by design errors, poor workmanship, or the aggressive effects of harmful agents.
The role of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, JDA and other construction departments should also be scrutinised, as new buildings have been approved without taking into account all of these factors. A much more detailed on-ground study should be initiated, and if possible, necessary structural changes should be made. After all, it’s a question of so many lives.
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