Locals Slam Authorities for Delays, Say Incomplete Structure a Safe Haven for Drug Addicts
ANANTNAG, MAR 01: Even after two decades, a shopping complex under the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) in Anantnag town remains incomplete, leaving locals and business owners frustrated over the prolonged delay.
The construction of the shopping complex began in 2004 but has yet to be completed. An official revealed that work was halted in 2009 due to a lack of funds. “After nearly six years of stagnation, construction resumed in 2015, with the project cost revised from ₹8.65 crore to ₹19.28 crore. However, progress has been irregular, and despite the passage of 20 years, the complex remains unfinished,” he said.
A local shopkeeper recalled that when the project was launched, the government invited people to deposit money to book shops in the complex. “Decades have passed since then, but the complex is still unfinished. This is a great injustice to those who submitted tokens two decades ago, hoping to secure shops,” he lamented.
Residents have also raised serious concerns about the abandoned structure turning into a hub for drug addicts. “One can walk inside and find syringes, bottles, and other drug-related materials scattered around. Yet, the government has failed to take action,” a local said.
Despite authorities being aware of the issue, locals allege that no concrete steps have been taken to complete the project. They accused officials of unnecessary delays without any justification.
The residents have urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to personally intervene in the matter so that the long-pending project is completed at the earliest and allocated to the deserving shopkeepers. – (KNO)
