Sensitize masses about terrorist hazards: Experts

DURING A discussion over the ?Role of engineers in addressing terrorism,? the experts of a four-member panel stressed the need of preparing a common code for building construction and to encourage people?s participation in mitigating the terrorist hazards.

DURING A discussion over the “Role of engineers in addressing terrorism,” the experts of a four-member panel stressed the need of preparing a common code for building construction and to encourage people’s participation in mitigating the terrorist hazards.

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P Dayaratnam said since the forms of terrorism were varied, no specific code could be prepared for the buildings to prove to be effective. But active participation of the masses could help in mitigating the terrorist effects. He also stressed upon the need of sensitising the people. He said that in the absence of public response, the losses could not be reduced. People should be made aware of the ways of possible terrorist acts and their duty in such events be specified
Mahesh Tandon suggested for developing effective building technologies and the users of the buildings be trained in applying the technologies in the event of any attack.

He said the architects could play an important role in convincing the promoters of the building for making it terrorist-attack resistant. Since each structure needed separate and specified action, engineers should plan the construction accordingly.

Prof Venkatesh Kodur suggested that the issue of building safety could not be left to the government. Every citizen would have to be vigilant in identifying the danger. The terrorism was a serious matter and citizens, scientists and engineers should together formulate plans to face its challenges, Kodur said.