KOCHI: With around 400 high-rises and about 300 under construction, Kochi holds the distinction of having more number of high-rises in India other than Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi. The past decade has seen an increase in the number of real estate projects in the city by 250 per cent. But are these earthquake proof? Builders say yes!
“The high-rises in Kochi have been built by following every safety measures. The foundation of every building has been built on the rocky strata underneath. Hence, even if an earthquake shakes the city, the building will vibrate a little but nothing more will happen. If, however, a quake tipping the Richter scale at 8 strikes, then it may collapse. However, due to the strong foundation there is ample time for rescue operations,” said V Sunilkumar, Managing Director, Asset Homes and Executive Committee Member, Credai Kochi.
He added that high-rises are safer than standalone ones due to stronger foundation. “The builders now take second opinion on the safety of the building by employing structural engineering firms. Project management companies are also being brought in to increase the safety and other aspects of a real estate project,” said Antony Kunnel, who owns Kunnel Engineers and Contractors Private Limited.