Sustainable built environment in high seismic zone: case study of a modern township in the north eastern region of India

Abstract

The paper presents the details of sustainable aspects related to earthquake safety measures adopted in a recently constructed modern township in the high seismic prone north east region of India. This medium sized township constructed for the employees of Numaligarh Refinery Ltd is situated near Numaligarh, a small town in the Golaghat district in the state of Assam. The site is ecologically sensitive, densely vegetated and with steep undulating topography with deep valleys and background moderate hillocks. The site falls under severe seismic zone in the seismic map of India. A seismic and sustainability conscious approach has been adopted in the planning, design and construction of the township. Site and landscape planning, building Architectural configurations, Structural and foundation systems and Infrastructure services are done to ensure safe and sustainable built environment with specific emphasis on earthquake safety and maintaining the natural landscape and ecology of the site.