Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 12: A shopping complex constructed by Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) completed more than nine years ago is lying unused at Aishmuqam area of Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The shopping complex comprised 50 shops that were completed in 2008 at the cost of about Rs 2 crores has not been used till date.
As per locals, the shops meant to provide employment to the locals are now being used as nothing less than dustbin and is a classic example of official apathy and loot of State ex-chequer.
“The complex was sanctioned in 2004 and it was completed in 2008 but was never used for any purpose till date. It has become a nuisance for the people of the locality as it is being used as dustbin by the people. Animal excreta as well as solid waste are being thrown into the shops of the complex. Even the carcasses of the animals can be seen thrown in it. The people of the area are facing immense hardships as the whole area always remains filled with the foul smell coming out from the complex,” Ashiq Hussain Bhat, a local said.
He said despite approaching several authorities including PDA and Tourism department, nothing is being done to develop the shopping complex further and use it for the betterment of the people.
Another local, Manzoor Ahmad Mir said that despite spending huge amount on the complex, the structure is lying unused and is a clear example of wastage of money by the authorities. “The complex was constructed by spending crores of rupees but left unused. What was the fun of constructing it when the complex was not used for any purpose. It is a classic example of the wastage of money,” he said.
The locals appealed to the authorities to develop the complex so that people will be able to do business in it.
Abdul Wahid, Municipal Committee Chairman, Aishmuqam said that the shopping complex was constructed on the land provided by the people of the area as they thought it would generate employment for the youth but nothing happened and the complex is lying in pathetic condition.
“People of the area provided their land and some even axed their trees as they thought the unemployed youth of the area would be accommodated there. Some persons even booked the shops in advance and paid thousands of rupees to the PDA but the structure was not completed fully and is lying unused. The complex should be handed over to the Municipal committee as PDA is 20 Kilometres away from this area and they have no right to work here,” he said.
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