STRUCTURAL COLLAPSES AND STRUCTURE FIRES

Published on 23 Feb 2025

In the past few years, there have been continuous incidences of collapsing old constructions in India. On average, 2,700 people lose their lives in different structural breakdowns every year. Across all the major cities in India, Mumbai has been witnessing the highest cases of structural collapses. 

Vulnerability of Structural Collapses in India

• Population Density: High population density in urban areas leads to increased construction activities and greater chances of substandard construction, which can result in structural failures.

• Non-compliance with Building Codes: Lack of adherence to building codes and safety regulations in construction projects, especially in informal settlements and smaller towns, increases the risk of structural collapses.

• Weak Enforcement: Weak enforcement of building codes and safety standards by municipal authorities contributes to the vulnerability of buildings to structural failures.

• Monsoons and Natural Disasters: Seasonal monsoons and seismic activity in certain regions can weaken structures over time, making them more susceptible to collapses.

Vulnerability of Structural Fires in India

• Inadequate Fire Safety Measures: Many buildings, particularly older ones, lack proper fire safety measures such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and evacuation plans.

• Electricity Overloads: Overloaded electrical systems and faulty wiring can lead to electrical fires in both residential and commercial buildings.

• Informal Markets and Hawker Zones: Informal markets and hawker zones are often overcrowded and have limited access to firefighting vehicles, making them highly vulnerable to structure fires.

• Hazardous Industries: Areas with hazardous industries, such as chemical factories and warehouses, are at risk of large-scale industrial fires that can have devastating consequences.

• Limited Awareness: A lack of awareness and training on fire safety among residents and workers in many buildings and industrial areas can hamper quick and effective response to fires.

• Congested Urban Infrastructure: Congested and narrow streets in many urban areas can impede the movement of fire trucks and personnel, delaying response times during emergencies.

Effects of Structural collapses and structure fires

• Loss of Life and Injury: Structural collapses and fires can result in tragic loss of life and severe injuries.

• Example: The Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat in October 2022 claimed 135 lives and left several injured 

• Property Damage: Fires and structural collapses can lead to extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.

• Example: The collapse of the Majerhat Bridge in Kolkata in 2018 disrupted transportation and caused substantial property damage.

• Economic Impact: These incidents can have a significant economic impact on affected individuals and businesses.

• Example: The Bawana industrial area fire in Delhi in 2018 destroyed multiple factories, leading to significant financial losses for business owners.

• Displacement and Homelessness: Survivors of structural collapses and fires often face displacement and homelessness.

• Example: The collapse of a residential building in Mumbai's Dongri area in 2019 forced many families out of their homes, rendering them homeless.

• Environmental Consequences: Fires can result in environmental pollution and damage due to the release of hazardous materials.

• Example: The Bellandur Lake fire in Bengaluru in 2018 caused air pollution and contaminated the water body with harmful chemicals.

• Infrastructure and Transport Disruption: Structural collapses can disrupt critical infrastructure and transportation networks.

• Example: The Gokhale Bridge collapse in Mumbai in 2018 disrupted local train services, affecting daily commuters.

• Health Implications: Smoke and toxic fumes from fires can have adverse health effects on both victims and first responders.

• Example: Firefighters combating the Bagree Market fire in Kolkata in 2018 faced health risks due to exposure to hazardous smoke.

• Safety Concerns and Public Awareness: Incidents of structural collapses and fires highlight the importance of safety regulations and public awareness.

• Example: The Surat Coaching Centre fire in 2019 raised questions about the enforcement of safety norms in educational institutions.

• Impact on Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development: Such incidents can influence urban planning and the need for improved infrastructure.

• Example: The collapse of the Himalaya foot overbridge in Mumbai in 2019 led to discussions on the maintenance and modernization of city infrastructure.

• Legal and Regulatory Repercussions: Incidents often result in legal actions and calls for stricter regulations.

• Example: The Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy in Delhi in 1997 led to a prolonged legal battle and changes in fire safety regulations.

India’s Preparedness

• Building Codes and Regulations: India has established building codes and regulations that prescribe safety standards for construction. These codes are regularly updated to incorporate modern safety practices.

• Fire Services: Many major cities in India have well-equipped fire departments with trained personnel and firefighting equipment.

• Urban Planning and Infrastructure: Some urban areas have adopted comprehensive urban planning and infrastructure development strategies to minimize risks, including better-designed buildings and roads.

• Disaster Preparedness and Response: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is responsible for disaster preparedness and response. It conducts training programs and awareness campaigns.

• Public Awareness and Education: Efforts have been made to raise public awareness about fire safety and disaster preparedness through campaigns and educational programs.

• Building Inspections and Maintenance: Some municipalities have implemented regular building inspections and maintenance programs to identify and address safety issues

• Enforcement of Safety Norms: High-profile incidents often lead to increased scrutiny and enforcement of safety norms in affected areas.

Challenges in Mitigations

• Limited Resources: Adequate financial resources are often required to implement mitigation measures effectively, such as retrofitting old buildings or improving firefighting infrastructure.

• Infrastructure Vulnerability: Many existing structures, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas, were not built to withstand disasters, making them inherently vulnerable.

• Urbanization and Land Use Planning: Rapid urbanization can lead to unplanned construction, encroachments, and a lack of adherence to zoning regulations and building codes.

• Informal Settlements: Informal settlements, often characterized by substandard construction and overcrowding, are highly vulnerable to disasters.

• Climate Change and Environmental Factors: Climate change can lead to increased risks of fires and structural failures, making it necessary to adapt mitigation strategies accordingly.

• Socioeconomic Disparities: Vulnerability to disasters is often linked to socioeconomic disparities, with marginalized communities facing greater risks.

• Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Inconsistent or weak regulatory frameworks can impede the enforcement of building codes and safety standards.

• Data and Risk Assessment: Incomplete or outdated data can lead to misallocation of resources and ineffective mitigation strategies.

Way Forward

• Regulatory and Policy Measures

• Strengthen Building Codes and Regulations.

• Enforce zoning regulations for safe construction.

• Establish clear roles and responsibilities for government agencies in disaster management.

• Review and update liability laws to hold accountable those responsible for negligence.

• Infrastructure and Urban Planning

• Develop comprehensive urban planning strategies.

• Retrofit older buildings and infrastructure to meet safety standards.

• Prioritize green spaces and firebreaks in urban planning.

• Integrate climate change considerations into mitigation strategies.

• Assess infrastructure vulnerability to changing climate conditions.

• Promote sustainable and climate-resilient urban development.

• Fire Safety and Emergency Response

• Improve fire prevention and detection systems.

• Conduct regular fire safety inspections and drills.

• Enhance firefighting capabilities and equipment.

• Improve water supply systems for firefighting.

• Establish a robust emergency response system.

• Community Engagement and Education

• Conduct regular disaster preparedness drills.

• Educate the public on evacuation procedures and safety measures.

• Upgrade slums with improved infrastructure and disaster-resilient housing.

• Leverage private sector expertise in construction and safety technologies.

Best Practices

• USA - National Fire Protection Association: India can adopt best practices from organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the USA, which develops and enforces fire safety codes and standards.

Tags:
Disaster Management

Keywords:
STRUCTURAL COLLAPSES STRUCTURE FIRES Vulnerability of Structural Collapses in India disaster disaster management Vulnerability of Structural Fires in India Effects of Structural collapses and structure fires

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Disaster and Disaster Management