Are we constructing safe buildings?

The world today is moving at an unprecedented pace, and Kashmir too is witnessing rapid growth in housing, commercial and industrial projects. From individual homes to large business complexes, construction is happening everywhere. But in the midst of this boom, a very important question arises: are we really constructing safe buildings? Buildings are not just structures of brick, steel and concrete; they are the spaces that hold our lives, our families, our businesses and our dreams. Their safety decides not only our personal security but also the resilience of our communities.

It is important to understand that no building can be made completely earthquake-proof or flood-proof. Natural disasters will always pose risks. However, a properly designed and engineered building should be capable of resisting these forces long enough to protect lives. During an earthquake, a building should not collapse immediately but should remain stable long enough for safe evacuation. Similarly during floods, the design, materials and foundations should minimize destruction and withstand the initial impact of water.

We do not need to look far for lessons. The 2014 Kashmir floods caused widespread devastation and exposed the vulnerability of our infrastructure. Entire residential colonies, markets and public institutions were submerged and many structures collapsed not just because of the force of water but also because they were never designed with such disasters in mind. Even in more recent floods, we have seen large-scale destruction of poorly constructed buildings reminding us that unless we change our approach history will keep repeating itself.

One of the biggest reasons behind unsafe buildings is the obsession with cost-cutting. When clients are told about the true requirements of a safe structure like proper steel, cement and strong foundations, many start searching for cheaper alternatives. Some approach engineers who promise shortcuts while others bypass engineers altogether and go directly to contractors. Contractors in most cases have little or no knowledge of Indian Standard (IS) Codes, which are the backbone of safe design. Their focus remains on finishing the building quickly and cheaply often ignoring essential safety measures. The client, happy with the savings rarely realizes that in the process they are trading away safety.

Another growing danger is the rise of unqualified individuals who call themselves designers. With no formal training in architecture or structural engineering, they prepare drawings and even give structural details, claiming: “We have built many houses like this and nothing has happened so far.” But this is a dangerous illusion. A building may look stable for years, but one earthquake or one flood is enough to expose its weakness and by then, the damage is irreversible. Unfortunately, many clients unaware of the technicalities, trust these so-called designers blindly because they offer quicker and cheaper options.

This unhealthy culture produces two extremes: under-designed buildings, where steel and cement are cut down below safe limits leaving them highly vulnerable to disasters; and over-designed buildings, where excessive materials are used in the name of safety making projects unnecessarily expensive. In both cases, the client suffers either through risk to life and property or through financial loss. More importantly society suffers. A single unsafe commercial building may house hundreds of businesses and indirectly support thousands of families. If such a building collapses during a disaster, the loss is not limited to one owner but to an entire community.

Just as the Indian Penal Code (IPC) forms the foundation of justice in courts, the Indian Standard (IS) Codes form the foundation of safe construction. These are not optional guidelines but scientific standards developed after decades of research and experience. They take into account earthquakes, wind loads, snow loads, floods, fire safety and every factor that affects the stability of a building. Ignoring them is not saving money it is gambling with lives.

The 2014 floods should have been a turning point. They clearly showed how unplanned growth, weak drainage systems and unsafe buildings could magnify destruction. Entire neighbourhoods went underwater, countless homes collapsed and bridges and roads were destroyed. But sadly, the lessons were short-lived. Even after witnessing such devastation, buildings continue to rise on riverbanks, wetlands and flood-prone zones, often without proper foundations or disaster-resilient design. If we do not correct these mistakes today, the destruction will only repeat itself tomorrow, possibly on a larger scale.

For the people, the message is clear: do not blindly trust shortcuts or cheaper options. Always consult qualified architects and structural engineers and always ask whether IS Codes are being followed. The money you think you are saving today may cost you your home, your business or even your life tomorrow. A building is not just a roof and walls it is a shelter for lives, a workplace for dreams and an asset for generations. To compromise on its safety is to compromise on our very future.

Raja Ishfaq Lateef is a structural engineer based in Kashmir.