Anantnag, Mar 27 (KNO): A shopping complex built by the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) in the heart of Anantnag town nearly 20 years ago remains incomplete, leaving locals and shopkeepers frustrated over the prolonged delay.
According to an official speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the construction of the shopping complex began in 2004 under the ULB's jurisdiction. However, despite two decades having passed, the project remains unfinished.
"The construction work was paused in 2009 due to insufficient funds. It was later resumed in 2015 after a six-year hiatus, with the project cost revised to Rs 19.28 crore from the initial estimate of Rs 8.65 crore," the official revealed.
The project has faced multiple setbacks over the years, resulting in repeated abandonment and delays, much to the dismay of local shopkeepers and residents.
Expressing his frustration, a local shopkeeper lamented, “The government invited people to deposit money for shop bookings, yet the complex remains incomplete. It's unjust to those who deposited tokens nearly two decades ago, still waiting for their shops.”
Another shopkeeper said if the complex is completed, everything would be available for customers under one roof. “It would have also provided space for those currently occupying footpaths, potentially easing traffic congestion," he said.
Locals raised concerns about the complex's current state, saying the incomplete structure has become a haven for drug addicts, posing a safety concern for the community. They expressed disappointment with the authorities' inaction despite repeated notifications about the issue.
"Despite being aware of the situation, authorities have failed to address the matter effectively and are resorting to delaying tactics for reasons unknown,” the concerned residents said.
With approximately 90 percent of the complex already constructed, locals are urging the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to expedite the completion process and ensure deserving individuals are allocated shops as originally intended—(KNO)