Advanced technology to restore historical bldgs

Kolkata: National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) is developing a new technology of building information and management system through which any monument or heritage structure can be restored to its original shape even if it is damaged by any means.

"The technology will help in detecting the exact place of damage to a monument easily and most importantly heritage structure can be restored to its original form even after damage," said Tapati Banerjee, Director of NATMO. Reconstruction of a heritage building keeping the 'heritage value' intact is a major challenge.

NATMO will pass over the technology to the monuments located in the city once it is developed and it will be of great help for them while carrying out maintenance work.

NATMO on Friday organised a special science and technology awareness programme at its Salt Lake office with students of some leading educational institutions in the city.

The programme is a prelude to the fifth India International Science Festival (IISF) to be held in Kolkata from November 5 to 8 this year.

The inaugural event is scheduled at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town and will be inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind.

Around 12,000 participants from the country and abroad are expected to turn up at the four-day programme.

The theme for this year's festival is 'Research, Innovation, and Science Empowering the Nation' ('RISEN- India).

Special role of women scientists and entrepreneurs in shaping the scientific growth injectors will be highlighted at the festival with more than 28 events to be held.

Science City, The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Bose Institute and Indian Institute of Chemical Biology will also host a few other events during the four days.

The festival is organised jointly by Science and Technology-related ministries of the union government and Vijnana Bharati.