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SDH Hazratbal chokes with patients, new block awaits nod

  • RK News By RK News
  • Comments 0
  • 01 Oct 2025

  M Haziq Pandit Srinagar, Sep 30: The construction of the much-needed additional block at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Hazratbal remains stalled due to pending departmental approvals, leaving the healthcare facility struggling to manage the growing influx of patients.  The hospital, which caters to a vast population across several localities such as Habak, Zakura, Gulabagh, Batpora, Danihama, Chatterhama, Tailbal and parts of Shalimar and Burzahama, has been witnessing a steady rise in patient numbers over the past few years. While the facility is adequately staffed, with 48 of 61 sanctioned positions filled, including doctors, consultants, and paramedical personnel, and offers enhanced diagnostic services such as 24/7 digital X-rays, advanced ultrasound, and improved maternal and child healthcare, its infrastructure remains insufficient to meet the growing patient demand. Patients and hospital staff both have expressed frustration over the situation, with many highlighting the strain on resources. Mubashir Qadri, a local resident who brought his child for treatment, said, "We have been visiting this hospital for years. Services have definitely improved, but the demand has grown even faster. The wards are always crowded and the waiting time is unbearable." "The patient load is rising every day. We have the staff and equipment to deliver quality care, but the shortage of space is our biggest hurdle," said a doctor at the hospital, requesting anonymity. To ease this strain, an upgradation project worth Rs 18.99 crore was approved in September 2022, with plans to construct an additional block to accommodate the growing number of patients. However, despite the initial approval, the project has faced delays and is now stalled due to regulatory hurdles. According to officials at the SDH, construction was halted after objections were raised by the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), citing the hospital’s location within a 200-meter buffer zone of Dal Lake, which is protected under local environmental regulations. "Although the project had been initiated, LCMA raised concerns, leading to a halt in construction," said an official, requesting anonymity. It is important to note that under the regulations of the LCMA, no new construction is permitted within this buffer zone. This is in line with a 2022 ruling by the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, which prohibits new construction within 200 meters of Dal Lake’s boundary, allowing only repairs and renovations of existing structures. This directive has become a significant roadblock for the hospital's expansion plans. Further complicating the issue, another HC ruling issued in August 2024 referred the matter to the Board of Competent Authority (BOCA) to decide whether approval could be granted for the upgradation. Despite the court’s order, no progress has been made, leaving the project in limbo. "Until we receive clearance from both LCMA and BOCA, the project will remain stalled," said an official at SDH. Rising Kashmir reached out to both the LCMA and BOCA for comments on the matter. A senior official at LCMA, requesting anonymity, said the issue is currently under review. "Since the site falls within the restricted 200-meter buffer zone, the matter is complicated. It is being evaluated, and if deemed suitable, approval will be granted," the official said. Meanwhile, a senior BOCA official, also requesting anonymity, confirmed that BOCA has already granted approval for the construction of the additional block. "BOCA has given its approval for the construction, and all necessary permissions from our side have been provided," he said. As the project remains stalled, both hospital staff and local residents are hoping for swift action from the authorities to ease overcrowding and improve healthcare access.

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