Mason Training

Due to the ongoing tectonic movements the region has accumulated enormous strain that makes it susceptible to seismic tremors. The state falls in Zone IV and Zone V of Earthquake Zonation Map of India. In the past the State has witnessed two major earthquakes (Uttarkashi 1991 and Chamoli 1999). Buildings were traditionally constructed in the region using locally available stone and timber but with the passage of time people have switched to brick and cement construction. This change in building material was however not accompanied by capacity building of the masons. The demand however forced them to construct with the new material. This adds to the vulnerability of building stock of the region Department of Disaster Management, Government of Uttarakhand has been conducting 07 days training programs for masons on earthquake safe construction, under this program around 1400 masons have been trained and 52 demo units constructed across the state.