Urban Vulnerability Reduction:Regulations and Beyond

This article examines the causes of urban earthquake vulnerability in Gujarat, based on the case study of Ahmedabad city which was affected in the 2001, Gujarat earthquake. This paper argues that the non-compliance of regulations which causes urban vulnerability cannot be corrected merely by additional regulations or increased enforcement. An enabling environment of compliance of regulations can be achieved only though good enforcement mechanism, integration of development with vulnerability reduction, good governance practices, awareness creation, partnerships and capacity building.