The tale of the PWD Guest House at Latti Tehsil headquarters in the Dudu Sub Division of Udhampur district epitomises bureaucratic apathy and the inefficacies of the system. Completed more than five years ago, this two-storey building, situated on the scenic Latti-Dudu-Basantgarh road, stands as a silent witness to administrative neglect. Despite being complete in all respects and having the potential to serve as a significant resource for the region, it remains non-operational and is gradually deteriorating. The guest house could have been an asset, promoting tourism and serving as a comfortable abode for officials and visitors. Instead, it lies abandoned, with its infrastructure being subjected to the relentless forces of nature. The blocked drain at the back and the absence of a side drain on the approach road have led to rainwater flowing over them, causing structural damage. The plight of the guest house is compounded by water leakage issues in the upper and lower lobbies, which have damaged the ceiling and walls.
These problems are not insurmountable but require prompt attention and maintenance. However, the apparent inertia has left this building to decay. Constructed at a significant cost, the building’s fate now hinges on a relatively modest sum of Rs 16.50 lakhs required for infrastructure and furniture such as beds, sofas, dining tables, and chairs, as well as fencing and a main gate to ensure the safety of its guests. The repeated appeals from local Sarpanchs and, despite multiple communications with the DC and even the Principal Secretary, PWD has not resolved the issue. This situation highlights a broader issue within the administrative framework. In a region like Dudu Sub Division, where such facilities can play a crucial role in development and connectivity, this oversight is particularly egregious. The higher authorities must urgently sanction the required funds and ensure that the PWD Guest House becomes operational. This would not only safeguard the public investment but also honour the purpose for which this building was constructed.
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