Solan
The Training of Master Trainers for Hazard-Resistant Safe Construction Practices, Phase 2, organized by the Civil Engineering Department at Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT) in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Shimla, commenced on November 4, 2024. This impactful three-day program, running from November 4–6, welcomes 35 technical assistants and Junior Engineers (JEs) from diverse blocks across Shimla, each set to become champions of safe construction practices.
The inaugural ceremony featured Chief Guest Prof. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Dear A&R JUIT who spoke on the importance of building codes and bylaws as foundational elements for resilient infrastructure. He emphasized that strict adherence to these provisions can significantly mitigate disaster risks. Prof. Ashish Kumar, Head of the Civil Engineering Department, highlighted the broader societal benefits of hazard-resistant construction, underscoring the importance of programs like this in building safer communities. Dr. Tanmay Gupta, the program coordinator and Assistant Professor in the Civil Engineering Department, introduced the key objectives of the training, particularly the emphasis on practical learning and hands-on application to solidify hazard-resistant construction practices.
Program Highlights
This phase of the training combines essential theoretical insights with extensive hands-on sessions to deepen participants’ skills and knowledge. The agenda covers the fundamentals of earthquake-resistant construction, including tools, techniques, and design approaches aimed at building safer structures. Participants will also gain insight into RCC frame design with ductile detailing, following IS 13920 standards. Moreover, practical training includes confined brick masonry wall construction techniques, non-destructive testing, and field testing of basic construction materials. Participants are also being trained in various brick masonry bonds, tool identification for on-site use, and concrete mix design with strength verification. A specialized session on design and construction techniques for landslide-resistant housing,insights into structural monitoring, repair, and retrofitting, enhancing resilience before and after disasters will be there.
This transformative program owes its success to the support of Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman DDMA Shimla, Mr. Anupam Kashyap, whose commitment to community-level disaster preparedness made this initiative possible. The training aims to enable participants to become advocates and trainers in safe construction practices within their own communities, fostering a culture of safety and resilience at the grassroots level.
