Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, May 9: Chakkan-da-Bagh cross LoC point in district Poonch which was opened with great fan-fare in 2005 and the Union Government had spent over Rs 20 crore for raising infrastructure there for the visitors from Pak occupied Kashmir and those from this side of the Line of Control, but unfortunately, the Immigration Centre building which was raised hardly eight years back and provided all required facilities for the cross LoC travelers, has been lying in dilapidated condition.
With in short span of time, the immigration building and the infrastructure raised there by the Government with the cost of Rs 5.60 crore has turned into shambles and the travelers are facing lot of hardships. Even some of the guests from PoK side took up there issue with the district Administration Poonch and even the local elected representatives but things could not be improved.
Such is the condition of the immigration centre building that no one would like sit inside. This building if not repaired is likely to be declared unsafe for public use. A total 12 ACs were installed in the building complex, but all of them are out of order at present. The cross LoC travelers who are made to wait in this main hall for hours together by the security agencies, face lot of hardships. Not only this three Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) are also non functional.
The window panes of the building are broken, seepage and cracks have developed at certain places while condition of six bathrooms is so worst that no body would like to use them. The taps, seats and other utility items have broken. There is no proper cleanliness and upkeep while no sufficient staff is deployed there for upkeep.
The sources said that R&B Department had constructed this building in 2005 and the funds were provided by the Union Home Ministry. The same department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the building but it never bothered to initiate any activity there. The Trade Centre building has been constructed with the cost of Rs 9.35 crore and this building has also not maintained properly.
Fakhar Din from Mirpur in PoK who recently arrived here from PoK told MLA Mendhar about his plight and worst condition of infrastructure at Chakkan-da-Bagh. He disclosed that there is intense hot now but ACs are not working at the immigration centre. Even for running generator, the staff procured diesel from a vehicle and then made the generator to function. There is no bathroom facility for the ladies and all the bathrooms are in worst condition.
TFO Chakkan-da-Bagh Bashir Ahmed Lone (Custodian Poonch) when contacted said that building was constructed by R&B and they are supposed to initiate maintenance work but the concerned Executive Engineer claimed that they have no funds for this purpose. He admitted that X-Ray Machine, 2 AVRs and all the ACs were out of order. Mr Lone said at Uri Immigration Centre the facilities are better but here at Poonch but no proper attention is being given by the Government. The lack of interest by the agencies concerned has led to the poor condition of infrastructure. He said that nearly Rs 50 lakh is immediately needed for improving infrastructure there.
DC Poonch Sajjad Ahmed Khan said that that matter has been taken up by the Union Home Ministry to release some funds for this purpose. He said that matter was very much in his notice. Even the proposal for installing full body scanners for loaded trucks is also in the pipeline. He said the funds are being managed for this purpose and PWD agency has been directed to take up the much needed repair work.
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