ITANAGAR, Aug 27: A three-day training programme on ‘Earthquake-Resistant Construction Technology for Masons’, organized by the Department of Disaster Management (GoAP), concluded here today.
The valedictory programme was attended by Nakap Nalo, MLA-cum-Adviser to Minister Disaster Management, as chief guest.
Congratulating all the participating masons on successfully completing the training, Nalo emphasized the importance of such pre-disaster preparedness initiatives, particularly as Arunachal Pradesh falls under Seismic Zone-V and remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
Appreciating the Department of Disaster Management for regularly organizing training and capacity-building programmes, he stated that such initiatives are essential for building a disaster-resilient State. He also encouraged the trained masons to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the programme in construction practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Marto Riba, Director Disaster Management, advised the participating masons to make effective use of the knowledge acquired during the training at the ground level and to share the techniques and practices with their fellow workers.
Techi Nabo, SE (Coordination), PWD, who attended the programme as a resource person, requested the Department to organize similar training programmes in the future.
Earlier, the programme was inaugurated on Tuesday by Komkar Dulom, retired secretary (GoAP) and former Director Disaster Management. Addressing the inaugural session, he emphasized that training masons in earthquake-resistant construction techniques is crucial for reducing the risk of building damage and loss of life during earthquakes.
Tadung Yangfo, president Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, extended gratitude to the Dept of DM for organizing the important initiative.
The three-day training covered a wide range of technical and practical topics, including earthquake basics, effects of earthquakes on buildings, earthquake-resistant planning, foundations and plinths, seismic bands, masonry, wall bonding, openings, lintels and sills.
The participants were also trained in seismic reinforcement, RCC detailing, anchorage, lapping, stirrups, treatment of openings, identification of construction defects, retrofitting and concrete quality practices.
The programme also included hands-on demonstrations on masonry and reinforcement detailing, construction quality checks, safe construction practices, and a field visit to assess earthquake-resistant features and identify construction defects.
Overall, the training programme aimed to strengthen the technical and practical skills of masons in earthquake-resistant construction, with particular emphasis on proper workmanship, structural detailing, quality control and construction safety. The initiative is expected to contribute towards improving the quality and resilience of buildings and strengthening disaster preparedness at the community level.
The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates, honorarium and mason work tool kits to the participating masons in recognition of their successful completion of the training.