Balen Shah: Engineering Alone Not Enough for Earthquake-Resistant Construction

Kathmandu: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has stated that in an earthquake-prone country like Nepal, constructing safe structures is not possible through engineering alone following the 2072 BS earthquake.

On the occasion of National Earthquake Safety Day today, he mentioned via social media that along with building safe structures, various aspects must be raised together to uplift a diverse society alongside the geographical terrain.

He wrote, "While working as a professional engineer in various geographies of Nepal, that experience taught me one clear thing: a country with earthquake risk like Nepal cannot be built solely from the perspective of civil engineering."

He further added, "To uplift our diverse society along with the geographical terrain, we must work by raising its many aspects together. National development means the development of both the geography and the people, and it is about building a strong foundation for the bridge that can connect them."

Balen also shared that while working as a civil engineer in various parts of the country after the 2072 mega-earthquake, he gained experience regarding the reality of earthquake risks and necessary safety infrastructure. He contributed to the construction of about 2,500 houses in Kavre alone and mentioned that he later had the opportunity to work in more than 35 districts.

He stated that for safe structures and national development in Nepal, long-term planning, responsible policies, and honest leadership are required by incorporating geographical and social diversity.

"For building a safe nation, there is a need for structural engineering, long-term planning, harmony between original and modern development, responsible policies, and honest leadership," he wrote.