Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has decided to make the iconic New Market earthquake-resistant.
It has already prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for installing seismic bars to strengthen the 150-year-old structure of SS Hogg Market, popularly known as New Market.
The decision to install the seismic bars was taken based on the recommendations from geophysics and civil engineering experts of Jadavpur University.
Underground cables will be laid around New Market. These wires will then be connected to the structural columns of individual shops.
Similar seismic reinforcements are used in Singapore and Japan and also in Mumbai to protect old buildings.
The seismic bars absorb and redistribute shock waves during an earthquake, reducing structural stress.
Some of the 3000 shops may need to remain closed temporarily while the work is underway.
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