Himachal is situated in the northern Himalayas is facing massive construction from the past two or three years on the steep slopes. Himachal falls under the seismic zone IV or V and have been witnessing massive earthquakes from time to time. The biggest earthquake that was witnesses was in 1905 in which thousands of people were killed and over one lakh houses not stopped the people from turning into concrete jungles. According to the census 2011, the urban population has increased by 10.03 percent. In Himachal Pradesh, Town and country planning act is applicable to 34 planning areas while in the rest of the place, people are free to make construction according to their own plans. Minor Earthquakes have been experience amid this duration.
Keeping in view this situation Town and country planning have issued some rules and regulations to build earthquake proof buildings:
1. The building should be constructed or designed by an expert engineer/architect/planner. The construction should be undertaken strictly in accordance with the architectural designs. Otherwise, there is no use of constructing such buildings.
2. While buildings earthquake proof structures keep in view that the structures should be simple as possible. By simplicity it meant Symmetery of plan, mass and rigidity. Though it is difficult, but maximum efforts should be made to do so.
3. When buildings are comparatively taller, siffer and heavier then the chance of earthquake forces of are enhanced more.
4. Building should be as light as possible because the earthquake forces is all function of weight. The floors are heavy at the bottom while the roof and the upper storeys should be kept light.
5. Soils conditions should be given due attention and the construction of heavy structures on loose soils should be avoided.
6. Buildings should include features such as like plith beams, lintel band, monolithic constructions etc. Doors and windows at the corners of the walls should be avoided.
7. Length of the buildings may not exceed 3 times its width. Buildings should have planned structures such as L.T.Y.E etc.

The above rules should be kept in mind while building earthquake resistant structures, so as to make Himachal a safe place to live.

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