Public Anger Grows in Pattan Over Delayed Development Works, Tendered Projects Worth Rs 1.25 Lakh Still Not Executed
Pattan, June 10, KNT: Despite the completion of the tendering process months ago, vital developmental works in Pattan town of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district continue to remain stalled, sparking widespread public resentment. The projects, which include the construction of tiled pathways and retaining walls worth Rs 1.25 lakh, were sanctioned and tendered long back, yet the execution remains a distant reality.
Locals expressed deep frustration over the inaction of both the Municipal Committee Pattan and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department. “It feels like both departments are mere spectators. The contractor is clearly not interested in starting the work, and no one seems to be holding him accountable,” a resident told Kashmir News Trust (KNT).
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What has further aggravated public anger is the perception that even basic administrative tasks are being ignored. Locals allege that the Municipal Committee has not even bothered to clearly identify the project sites, calling it an unprecedented failure in governance. “This is the first time that despite having an elected government in place, nothing is happening on the ground in our town,” said another agitated local.
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There are also murmurs of alleged deliberate delays by officials. “The administration seems to be stalling the process intentionally, which raises serious questions and calls for an impartial investigation,” locals demanded.
In response, Executive Officer of Municipal Committee Pattan, Mohsin Mushtaq told KNT that the identification of the project spots has already been completed. “The ball is now in R&B’s court. They are supposed to start the execution, which we hope will begin in the coming days,” he said.
Assistant Executive Engineer of R&B Division Pattan, Riyaz Ahmad, confirmed to KNT that a formal notice has been issued to the contractor, instructing him to commence the pending works without further delay.
However, with visible signs of negligence and continued buck-passing between departments, the people of Pattan continue to suffer due to the prolonged delay of much-needed civic infrastructure. For now, their hopes rest on whether the latest assurances finally translate into action on the ground. [KNT]
