In a shocking revelation, it has been found that a volleyball ground worth 19 lakh rupees in the Malanoo Panchayat of Tehsil Kahara in Doda district has been constructed on a helipad meant for emergency medical services. This has caused outrage among the local residents, who have demanded an inquiry into the matter.
According to local leaders, the volleyball ground was constructed using crores of rupees, which were meant for the development of the area. However, instead of using the funds for the betterment of the community, the authorities decided to construct a volleyball ground on the helipad, which is a vital infrastructure for emergency medical services.
Asif Iqbal Butt, a social activist, told The Chenab Times, “If there was an emergency helipad in Malanoo, which is the only helipad in Kahara tehsil, then why is it being replaced with a playground?” “Ground should be constructed separately.”
“The location of this ground is not suitable for sports, as this ground is meant for volleyball, but a common man can see that we can’t play a single smash here because the location is hilly and boundaries have deep gorges,” he added.
Various other local leaders raised objections to this construction. Nafees Ahmed Keen, a social activist, said, “There is a place at some distance from this helipad where this playground can be constructed, and it is state land, but still, this is illegally being constructed on an emergency helipad.”
“This unauthorised and illegal construction occurred all because of Sarpanch,” he alleged.
The Chenab Times contacted Tehsildar Kahara, AEE PwD R&B, Exen. PwD R&B, and SDM Thathri regarding this issue.
Meanwhile, Tehsildar Kahara Ashfaq Hussain said that he is not aware of this matter. While PwD R&B officials said that they have written objections to SDM Thathri regarding the unauthorised construction of a playground in place of a helipad.
However, SDM Thathri Athar Amin Zargar said that the matter is under investigation and a fair inquiry will be held.
The local residents have expressed their anger and frustration at the irresponsible behavior of the authorities, who have misused the funds meant for the development of the area. They have demanded that the authorities take immediate action and rectify the mistake by removing the volleyball ground and restoring the helipad for its intended purpose.
A formal inquiry has been ordered by the local administration to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against those responsible for the misuse of funds. The authorities have assured the residents that strict action will be taken against the guilty and the funds will be used for the development of the area as intended.
This incident once again highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds and the importance of prioritizing essential infrastructure over non-essential amenities. The residents hope that the authorities will learn from this mistake and work towards the betterment of the community in a responsible and accountable manner.
This report is filed by Raja Shakeel for The Chenab Times in Local News section
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