Given the high urban population density in Tehran, the city’s ability to respond to natural disasters should be vastly improved, Seyyed Hosein Hashemi, Tehran governor, stressed during his visit to the ‘Prepared City Festival’ (Oct. 18-23) at Milad Tower.
Fortunately, the interior ministry has provided greater support and sanctioned 100 hectares of land for constructing the crisis management center. “Two different areas of Tehran have been suggested in this regard and the process may be time consuming, but it is an urgent and critical need,” Mehr news agency reported Hashemi as saying.
As the city is located on several seismic fault lines, the matter requires special attention. “We hope the Tehran Municipality, city council, governor’s office, the interior ministry and the vice presidency for strategic planning and supervision co-operate and work together in this regard,” he said.
Distressed Areas
Nearly 30% of Tehran buildings are in need of renovation or seismic reinforcement. In the 6th five year economic development plan, the situation of the ‘distressed urban areas’ will be determined. Also the Tehran Municipality is planning to provide a map of faults and aqueducts. In future all constructions will be in line with the map.
“At present, one of our main concerns is raising people’s awareness about safety principles. Fortunately, we have started the process from schools.”
Participants
The festival, held with the aim to prepare against risks of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, saw the participation of more than 40 active organizations and institutions in the field of urban management and emergency services.
The festival slogan was ‘Salaam, Durable Tehran’ and it provided a platform for the participants to present their capabilities, achievements and results of research. Also strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors in order to cope with natural disasters was another objective.
Educational workshops were also held for the public on fire fighting, resiliency in times of crisis, first aid training and environment conservation.
