the Union government is planning to introduce a legislation to ensure the safety of urban buildings and also issue licenses to builders, formulate building codes and undertake a micro seismic study in the country.

The Union urban development minister, Jagmohan, announced this at a two-day seminar on habitat safety against earthquakes and cyclones recently held in New Delhi. Organised by the Union ministry of urban development and poverty alleviation, the seminar was attended by some 250 scientists and technologists from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council and the Indian Building Congress. The legislation will ensure that only qualified, licensed or accredited professionals