Tanveer Hussain
Beerwah, Jan 12: Nearly eight years after a devastating fire gutted a major government building in Beerwah town of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, the structure continues to lie abandoned, turning into an open garbage dumping site and drawing sharp criticism from locals over prolonged official inaction.
The building, which was damaged in a 2017 fire incident, earlier housed several important government offices, including education and social welfare-related departments. Despite the passage of years, no reconstruction or renovation work has been initiated, leaving the charred structure exposed and deteriorating further with time.
Locals said the abandoned premises have gradually turned into an informal dumping ground, with garbage accumulating in and around the building. They said the situation has created unhygienic conditions and reflects poorly on civic management in the area.
Locals alleged that repeated appeals and representations to the concerned departments have failed to yield any visible outcome. They said the continued neglect of the site has eroded public confidence and raised serious questions about infrastructure governance and accountability.
Officials of the Roads and Buildings Department maintained that a Detailed Project Report for the reconstruction of the building has already been prepared and submitted. However, the absence of timelines or any on-ground activity has prompted residents to question why work has not begun even after completion of formal procedures.
Prominent locals have urged the district administration to intervene directly and review the status of the stalled project. They said early reconstruction is necessary not only to restore public offices but also to prevent further misuse and decay of a key government asset. [KNT]
