GUWAHATI, April 26 � The Assam State Disaster Management Authority has decided to opt for non-destructive testing of old structures across the State, including educational institutions and lifeline structures like hospitals.
The assessment will be done by the Public Works Department, said PK Tiwari, Chief Executive Officer of ASDMA while talking to newsmen here this afternoon.
He said that a status survey of 600 schools and 40 odd hospitals was done last year in association with the Assam Engineering College, wherein their structural and non-structural preparedness was assessed.
�Besides schools and hospitals, we had found shortcomings even in a number of deputy commissioners� office buildings. We found many such buildings that appeared vulnerable. The information has been shared with the General Administration Department,� Tiwari said.
He added that retrofitting of a number of concrete structures has also been advised.
He went on to add that even the government department concerned does not have the requisite disaster plan, which in itself is of paramount importance.
Replying to a query, he said that two more companies of the State Disaster Response Force are being raised in addition to the existing one and that specially-designed equipment like the aerial ladder would be procured to facilitate rescue in high-rise buildings.
