Who Controls Safakadal Community Hall? Locals Allege Unauthorized Rent Collection, Civic Neglect
Srinagar, Oct 24, KNT: A community hall at Dana Mazar in the Safa Kadal area of Srinagar, reportedly constructed on wetland in 2013 under the Special Area Development Programme (SADP) on the recommendation of the then local MLA, has fallen into disrepair, with questions being raised over its ownership, control and alleged collection of rent by local political figures.
Locals allege that despite being built with public funds for community use, the marriage hall was never formally handed over to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) after completion of the work by the executing agency. They claim the absence of a clear transfer of control has allowed the facility to remain outside effective municipal supervision.
According to locals, some local political leaders have been exercising control over the premises and collecting rent from private parties who book the hall for marriage ceremonies and other functions. The allegations have raised questions about who is authorized to manage the public facility, fix rental charges and receive the money collected from its use.
The hall, which was intended to serve the local community, is now reportedly in a dilapidated condition, with broken windows and damage to its roof and walls. Residents say the deterioration reflects years of neglect and the absence of an accountable authority responsible for its upkeep.
Locals have questioned how a facility built under a government development programme could remain in such a condition while its management and revenue arrangements remain unclear. They have sought disclosure of the executing agency’s records, details of the original project and expenditure, and clarification on whether the building was ever formally handed over to the SMC or another government department.
The circumstances surrounding the hall’s construction on wetland in 2013, its subsequent management and the alleged collection of rent also warrant examination by the concerned authorities. Locals want the administration to establish the legal ownership and management status of the property and determine who, if anyone, has been authorized to collect payments from people using the premises. [KNT]
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