Adil Lateef
SRINAGAR, Dec 9: For the first time in State, retrofitting technique has been introduced in renovation of Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) here at Sempora in Pampore on Srinagar outskirts which was devastated by two back-to-back fidayeen attacks last year.
In the first attack in February last year, the EDI’s multi-storey administrative block faced extensive damage due to bullets and barrage of rockets and mortars. The second attack that occurred in October 2016 damaged the EDI’s hostel block which is adjacent to administrative block. During both attacks, the fidayeen took shelter in administrative block and hostel block respectively.
A top official of the EDI told Excelsior that following the second attack in last October, the institute’s management wrote to Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorke and National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar for their expert advice over the renovation or demolition of the eight-floor hostel block. “Later, a five member team of structural auditors from Delhi arrived here. They took samples from the site and after one month, they gave measures over retrofitting,” he said.
He said that the retrofitting refers to the addition of new technology or features to older systems without demolition. The EDI official said that this is for the first time that retrofitting technique was introduced in any structure in Jammu and Kashmir. “It has not happened before anywhere. The demolition of the huge hostel structure was not possible. Also, we have had to take safety measures into confidence and we went ahead. It was not easy.
“The safety auditors knew about the temperature and they managed to restore it with the help of retrofitting. The chemical pillars were imported and this happened first time.” he said. The official said that the administrative complex was renovated at the cost of Rs. 10.87 crore and the hostel building is being renovated at the cost of Rs. 15.43 crore. “We have completed 80 percent work in hostel building. All internal and external works would be completed by January-February next year,” he said.
With regard to security measures, the official said that an 18 feet boundary wall is being constructed to prevent intrusion of militants, particularly river side. Besides, the official said, five-to-six security barracks are also being constructed for Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and cops. “The barracks would accommodate 50-60 security forces men for securing EDI complex. A total of six security points have already been established inside the complex and there are over two dozen CRPF and policemen deployed for security purpose,” he said.
Director EDI, Muhammad Ismail Parray, told Excelsior that the major chunk of funds for the renovation of devastated blocks of the EDI came from insurance company. “We acted fast and, with the help of experts, we started renovation work and it is in the last phase now. We have ordered and placed furniture and we have introduced new things like health club etc. The security has also been further improved now,” he said.
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