Earthquake widens wall cracks at IPD building at DH Pulwama
Building constructed at cost of Rs 19 crore just three years back, say locals
Pulwama: The recent Earthquake has widened wall cracks in new IPD (Inpatient Department) building at District Hospital Pulwama even as locals demand investigation in this regard.
Locals said that IPD building constructed at a cost of over Rs 19 crore in year 2019 was constructed by J&K Housing Board, however, cracks emerged in the building soon after it was handed over the health department.
Now with the recent earthquake, the cracks have widened due to which there is fear among the people, they said.
Faizan Ahmad, a local social activist said that government must carry out safety audit in the building so that any eventuality is prevented well ahead of time.
He said that despite spending huge amount on the building, it has developed cracks and authorities must take cognizance and investigate the matter.
Locals said that why even spending huge amount of money on the building, it has developed cracks in less than three years after its completion.
Government must investigative it to check whether any negligence on the part of the contractor or the construction agency, they said.
They added that water seepage dampening around the basement of the building might be possible reason for wall cracks that needs to be checked.
Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent District hospital Pulwama Dr S Tula said that the cracks were already there in the IPD building.
Assessment of the cracks is being carried out following which the report will be submitted to Deputy Commissioner Pulwama and the constructing agency, he said.
All necessary steps in this regard are being taken for the safety of patients, he added.
Jahangeer Ganaie
