Incessant rains damage machinery of under-construction GMC Handwara

Srinagar, April 16: The incessant rains in Handwara have damaged machinery worth lakhs at the under-construction government medical college (GMC) in Chogal, Handwara, raising safety concerns about the location where the multi-core project is being executed.
Officials from the district administration stated that, after 32 years, they have witnessed such an increase in water flow in the area. Officials will submit the inundation report to higher officials.
Reports said that this is the second time in the last two years flash floods inflicted damages on machinery and materials worth lakhs, leaving contractors grappling with the aftermath. The sudden deluge not only damaged construction equipment, but also wrecked temporary offices and worker quarters.
Authorities are looking for clarification on the feasibility of resuming work after investing Rs 14 crores in the project. Contractors noted the difficulty of quickly fixing sophisticated technology due to its modernity and cost. Despite the setback, the goal is to resume work soon as conditions improve.
According to official sources, several officials have also expressed opposition to the GMC’s development in the area, citing safety concerns at that time. However, for unclear reasons, officials moved it to Chogal, where there are concerns that it should be relocated due to flash floods.
“They said no survey of the flood situation was conducted at that time, and the college was blindly set up there. They lamented that if the same situation had arisen after its completion, what would have been the situation. This is a multi-crore project, and everything must be taken into consideration before execution.”
Officials from the sub-divisional administration have visited the spot to review the post-rainfall situation. They said they would submit the file to the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, and after proper consideration, a final decision will be taken.
The Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, stated that they would discuss the matter with the health department.