Reckoner for dwellers in Delhi during earthquake

New Delhi, Apr 25 (UNI) Delhi being vulnerable to earthquakes of high intensity, the city government has prepared a ready reckoner for its dwellers during quakes as a precautionary measure.

Flagging off a mini-marathon from her residence to India Gate to spread awareness regarding Disaster Management, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today informed this to mediapersons.

''This is a compilation of all precautionary measures, in case the measures are taken in true spirit worse would be avoided. A toll-free disaster helpline 1077 is also functional in the city,'' she said.

Ms Dikshit also inaugurated a Disaster Management awareness drive in the Capital.

She called upon people to take note of tips which will definitely prove to be useful during difficult times and will also help in saving precious lives and property.

Around 500 students participated in the inaugural ceremony today. This drive will go on for a week to involve people and make them aware about the consequences of disasters.

During the campaign, a number of street plays, puppet shows, essay writing competitions, quiz competitions will be organised and useful material will be distributed at different various public places.

Ms Dikshit noted that the entire region of Delhi was in seismic zone-IV which is vulnerable to earthquake of 5.5 to 6.7 on Richter scale.

''Delhi is posed with serious challenges in management of emergencies because of its large and densely populous base, large number of unsafe building, key administrative and historical installations, non-engineered structures and large span of
unplanned areas like urban slums, unauthorised colonies and industrial clusters,'' she said.

Ms Dikshit added that such areas were highly vulnerable to chemical and industrial fire, flood and even terrorist attacks.

''A disaster can cause unprecedented and colossal damage to Delhi,'' she said.

She informed the gathering that a number of hospitals and other buildings were being constructed as per quake resistant norms apart from retrofitting.

The city government has taken steps to include a topic of Disaster Management in school curriculum. Apart from this, mock drills are being organised and people are being trained to meet any unexpected challenges.