CFC Centre lying in dilapidated condition in Khiram
Locals demand intervention of higher ups
Anantnag: The Common Facility Centre (CFC) constructed at Khiram in the Srigufwara area of Anantnag district is lying in a dilapidated state following which residents have demanded an investigation into the alleged neglect and misuse of public resources.
The centre, which was developed by the Rural Development Department (RDD) under Block Srigufwara at a considerable cost, was intended to create livelihood opportunities and provide common facilities to local entrepreneurs and self-help groups. However, residents say the building has remained largely non-functional for a long time and is now in a deteriorating condition.
Locals said the structure currently presents a disturbing picture, with broken window panes, damaged doors, and worn-out infrastructure. They added that furniture and other facilities that were once part of the centre are either missing or have been damaged due to prolonged neglect.
“This facility was supposed to benefit the local community and help people start small businesses, but unfortunately it has been left to decay,” said a resident of Khiram. “Instead of becoming a hub for economic activity, the building now stands as a symbol of wasted public money.”
Another local resident said that the authorities have failed to ensure proper upkeep of the centre. “The government spent a substantial amount of funds on constructing this CFC, but there has been no monitoring or maintenance. If such public assets are not looked after, it defeats the entire purpose of these developmental schemes,” he said.
Residents also alleged that some of the shops within the CFC premises were allotted or sold to individuals linked with a political party, a claim that has further angered the local population. They said such alleged irregularities must be thoroughly examined by the authorities.
“People want to know how the shops were distributed and on what basis. If there has been any wrongdoing, those responsible should be held accountable,” said another local, adding that transparency is essential in projects funded by public money.
The residents expressed disappointment over what they described as official apathy and said that the concerned department appears to have failed in safeguarding the public property.
They have appealed to the administration to intervene and restore the facility so that it can serve the purpose for which it was originally established. The locals also demanded a transparent probe into the matter to determine how the building fell into disrepair and whether there were any irregularities in the allotment of shops.
“We request the higher authorities to take immediate cognizance of the situation. A proper inquiry should be conducted and responsibility must be fixed so that such negligence does not occur again,” residents said.
