Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Oct 8: Four years after the government identified and transferred land for the construction of a marriage-cum-conference hall in South Kashmir’s Pulwama town, the project continues to remain in limbo, leaving residents dismayed and questioning the administration’s commitment to local development.
According to locals, the government had earmarked land at Dangerpora Pulwama for the much-needed facility and the land was officially transferred to the Municipal Council Pulwama.
However, despite the completion of initial formalities, no visible progress has been made on the ground so far.
Residents said that the absence of a public marriage or community hall forces people to hold functions in makeshift arrangements, often causing inconvenience to both hosts and guests.
“It has been more than four years since the land was identified and transferred for the marriage hall project, but not a single brick has been laid so far,” said Aamir Ahmad, a local resident. “We have been repeatedly approaching the authorities, but every time we are told that the project is under consideration. This delay shows sheer negligence.”
Another resident, Aabid Ahmad expressed frustration over the government’s inaction, saying such facilities are essential for a growing town like Pulwama. “Pulwama has expanded rapidly over the years, but we still lack basic public infrastructure. A marriage-cum-conference hall would benefit hundreds of families, especially those who can’t afford private banquet halls,” he said.
Locals said the administration’s silence over the delay has deepened their concerns. “We had welcomed the move when the land was identified. It gave us hope that the government was serious about improving civic amenities. But now, it feels like the project has been shelved without any explanation,” said another local, Bashir Ahmad.
Officials acknowledged that the land had indeed been transferred for the purpose. “Yes, the land at Dangerpora was earmarked for the marriage-cum-conference hall, but the project has not been taken up yet due to some issues that are being looked into.”
Meanwhile, locals have urged the government to expedite the construction process, stressing that the project would not only serve social needs but also generate employment opportunities in the area.
“We hope the administration takes this matter seriously and starts the construction without further delay,” they said.
