They say the ‘sky is the limit,’ and perhaps with high-rise residential buildings, it truly has become one. In rapidly growing cities, these towering structures have become symbols of urban expansion. With India’s urban population projected to surpass 600 million by 2030, such high-rises offer a practical answer to the increasing demand for space. Once confined to modest heights, today’s skyscrapers reach impressive levels, with buildings in Mumbai stretching up to 100 floors. For many, owning an apartment in one of these high-rises is a dream come true, realized after years of saving. When choosing a flat, people weigh factors like cost, location, proximity to schools and markets, loan availability, natural light, greenery, and amenities like swimming pools and gyms.
But with all the appeal of these towering buildings, lies a pressing question—are we truly safe in these vertical communities? India’s vulnerability to disasters is well-documented, and high-rise buildings are not immune to these risks. Each year, countless lives are affected by disasters, and evidence suggests that many high-rises globally have been severely impacted by such events.
One significant issue is the use of sub-standard materials and failure to adhere to building codes. The foundation of a building is its backbone, critical for its stability and safety. In earthquake-prone regions, poorly designed foundations can lead to catastrophic failures during seismic activities. Flooding can further compromise the integrity of these foundations, turning what might have been a safe structure into a disaster waiting to happen.
Urban areas often see ground floors converted into parking spaces without adequate reinforcement. This practice can result in soft storey collapse during earthquakes, a phenomenon where the lower floors fail, causing the upper floors to collapse. Even buildings with basements or utility areas face risks from heavy rainfall or flash floods. For instance, the 2017 Mumbai floods saw a four-storey building collapse, injuring many. Similarly, the Lalita Park building collapse in Delhi in 2010 was attributed to weak foundations exacerbated by flooding. The addition of unauthorized floors in these cases further underscores the lack of adherence to safety standards and legal regulations.
Fire safety is another major concern. Designing high-rises requires careful planning of fire exits, fire-resistant materials, and effective sprinkler systems to prevent the spread of fire. The use of flammable materials in facades or interiors can significantly heighten the risk. High-rise buildings, with their complex systems like elevators and HVAC, are also more vulnerable to system failures. Incidents of people getting trapped in elevators or facing fire hazards can be exacerbated by poor design and maintenance.
Cyclones and high winds pose additional risks. Large windows in high-rise buildings are susceptible to damage during storms, and poorly anchored roofs can be torn off by strong winds. Storms can create wind tunnels, increasing the wind load on buildings and compounding the risk. The 2013 Uttarakhand floods and landslides serve as a stark reminder of how unstable terrain can lead to the collapse of multi-storey buildings. Similarly, a study in Kerala advised against constructing high-rises on the steep slopes of the Western Ghats due to landslide risks. In areas like Delhi, land subsidence poses another serious threat, further complicating the safety of high-rise structures.
It is important to understand that the height of a building alone does not determine its safety. Factors such as design, construction quality, and ongoing maintenance are pivotal. High-rises depend on intricate systems, and any malfunction—whether in elevators or HVAC systems—can lead to dire consequences. Residents of high-rise buildings, particularly those in earthquake-prone zones, should ensure that their structures undergo Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) and other assessments as recommended by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques can help in evaluating specific structural elements. For buildings in flood-prone areas, insulating mechanical and electrical systems located in basements can provide crucial protection against flooding.
While high-rise buildings represent a significant achievement in urban development and offer impressive living spaces, they come with their own set of risks. Proper design, construction practices, and regular safety assessments are essential for managing these risks and ensuring that these vertical communities stay safe for their residents. By addressing these concerns proactively, we can enjoy the benefits of high-rise living while reducing potential dangers.
