15 years on, Tral veterinary hospital building lies incomplete
Locals suffer amid neglect
Pulwama: More than a decade and a half after it was sanctioned, the construction of a dedicated veterinary hospital building in Tral in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district remains incomplete, leaving locals and livestock owners grappling with inadequate facilities and mounting inconvenience.
According to officials, the project was approved nearly 15 years ago with an estimated allocation of Rs 28 lakh. Initial construction work had begun soon after the sanction; however, it was abruptly halted midway under unclear circumstances. Since then, no further progress has been made, turning the partially constructed structure into a symbol of administrative apathy.
“At the time, there was a lot of hope among people that Tral would finally get a proper veterinary hospital. But after some initial activity, the work just stopped, and nothing has moved since,” an official familiar with the project said.
In the absence of a proper facility, the veterinary services in the area are currently being run from a dilapidated building, which locals say is ill-equipped to cater to the growing needs of the region.
“The existing building is in a pathetic condition. It is unsafe and lacks even basic infrastructure. Both the staff and the people who visit with their livestock face immense difficulties,” said Ghulam Nabi, a local resident.
Another livestock owner, Abdul Rashid, said the neglect is particularly concerning given the rise in animal husbandry activities in the area. “In recent years, many people have turned towards sheep rearing and dairy farming as a source of livelihood. But without proper veterinary support, we are left helpless. The government seems to be acting as a mute spectator,” he added.
Residents said that the absence of a functional veterinary hospital not only affects animal health but also directly impacts the income of families dependent on livestock.
“We depend on our cattle and sheep for survival. When animals fall sick, we have to travel long distances to seek treatment. This leads to delays and sometimes heavy losses,” said another local.
The aggrieved residents have urged MLA Tral, Rafiq Ahmad Naik, and concerned authorities to take immediate cognizance of the issue and ensure that the construction work is resumed and completed without further delay.
“We request the authorities to look into the matter seriously. Completing this hospital is not a luxury but a necessity for the people of Tral,” locals said, expressing hope that their long-pending demand will finally be addressed.
