Adil Lateef
SRINAGAR, Oct 16: The management of Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) at Pampore is seeking expert advice from two top technical institutes over the status of the building that was damaged in an encounter early this week.
EDI official told Excelsior that the management has written 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 complex ravaged by rockets and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) during October 10 gunfight between Fidayeen and security forces.
The official explained that the complex damaged in the firefight had eight floors comprising of 60 rooms. He said that following February gunfight, the first three floors of the now-damaged complex were used for administrative purpose, attic floor for academic purpose and the ground floor comprised of kitchen, dining hall, lobby, reception and recreational hall.
According to officials, the damaged complex was a column structure and it is to be seen whether the IEDs have damaged column alignments or not. “If the alignments are okay then it will sustain restoration in terms of renovation and if not then probably the demolition is the way-out which however is hectic,” they said, adding that for the expert advice and thorough review, the management has written to IIT Roorke which has best structural engineering experts and also to NIT Srinagar.
The official said that the management has sought deputation of teams of experts from both the prestigious institutes. The officials said that if the restoration is not possible then the place would be abandoned for the construction of new complex since the structure is very heavy.
The JKEDI Director, Muhammad Ismail Parray, told Excelsior that infrastructure will always be built but loss of logistics is the problem. He said the renovation of complex that was damaged in fierce gunbattle between militants and security forces early this year in February will be completed within one or two months. The Director said despite recent gunfight they have already started administrative work in the JKEDI.
Appealing people not to pay heed to the rumors, the Director said that the JKEDI at Sempora is not being shifted to Jammu. “This is not right thinking. We already have our offices in all the 22 districts of the State. This is obnoxious perception,” he said. With JKEDI becoming scene of gunbattle between militants and security forces second time this year, the police have beefed up security on the entrance of the institute and maintaining a round-the-clock vigil.
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