The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Tests on at Jayanagar complex

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Thursday, Jun 26, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Tests on at Jayanagar complex

Sai Deepika Amirapu and Visy Valsan

BBMP engineers say it will take three months to restore the facade

Inspection report to be submitted in two weeks
Traders keen on resuming business

BANGALORE: The vegetable market at the Jayanagar Shopping Complex, which was gutted two weeks ago, is expected to be repaired in three months, and a report recommending measures to restore the market is likely to be submitted in two weeks.

A team of engineers from the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is evaluating the damage to the building while another team has started ultrasonic test on the structure to determine the number of cracks in the pillars, if any. Thermal analysis to assess the strength of the building will be conducted soon. Based on the outcome of these tests, a report will be compiled.

Principal Engineer of the BBMP S. Manoranjan told The Hindu that the team conducted the first round of inspection last week. “There is major destruction in certain parts. We will submit our reports in two weeks and suggest suitable techniques to rebuild the market’s facade.” The restoration of the market would be completed in three months, he said.

Meanwhile, BBMP workers started cleaning the charred remains and the soaked timber that lay in the ruined vegetable market.

The Deputy Commissioner of the BBMP had ordered an enquiry into the cause of the fire after obtaining reports from the police and the Fire and Emergency Services officials that were awaited. Initial reports indicated that the fire might have been caused by a short-circuit.

Business resumes

Although the fire devastated a major portion of the building, shopkeepers and vendors resumed their business at the rear portion of the market. “I admire their (shopkeepers’) spirit. Despite huge losses, they have started afresh,” said Ms. Sundar, a customer from BTM Layout. Ms. Sundar, who visits a store selling puja articles, said, “regular customers like us were affected following the fire as we had to go to other places.” V. Venkatesh, who runs a stationery outlet, said he would be glad to resume business if the Government gave him back his shop. The Chief Minister who visited the market place last week promised help to the aggrieved shop owners. He had asked the members of the Jayanagar Shopping Association to choose an alternative location to operate their business temporarily until the repairs were completed.

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