Bhopal, May 27: Famous geologist Dr. M K Khanna said here that unsafe buildings in our country are more responsible for death than earthquake in our country. We cannot stop the earthquakes in future. But we can definitely limit the death and damage to buildings through earthquake resistant construction. Dr Khanna was addressing a workshop on disaster management organised here by the Science Centre, Gwalior in coordination with National Science and Technological Council, New Delhi.

Dr. Khanna said that 70 per cent of the buildings in Bhopal are unsafe for living. While constructing, the directives of the ISI were ignored. He said, the local administration should not give permission for construction until the directives of ISI is not complied with while building construction. In cities like Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, the builders openly ignores the directives to save money. According to him more than 70 per cent of buildings in these cities are unsafe in view of the earthquake.

Former vice chancellor of Jivaji University, professor RR Das gave tips on disaster management at the time of storm and during drought conditions. He said the natural calamities are occurring due to our own negligence. If we take proper care in water management, we will not face any drought situation and our food production could be increased. He said that to control such disasters creative groups should be set up at district level with the help of the government.

Science Centre State Secretary Arun Bhargava said that it was necessary to start people's awareness campaign for the success of disaster management. With people's awareness the relief works can be conducted in a better way, he said.