India: 'Kashmir must ban construction in marshes, high slopes'- Quake expert

A scientist who worked with US geophysicist Roger Bilham on a new report predicting a mega temblor in the Kashmir Himalayas says quake preparedness is a must and it is imperative to ban construction in marshes, wetlands and high slope areas in the valley, reports Sify. "Risk assessment and then disaster preparedness are more important than disaster response," said professor M.I. Bhat. "We must start retrofitting in existing structures and ensure strict compliance and enforcement of proper building codes," he continues.