Div Com-led panel visits Handwara to explore alternate site for GMC

Srinagar, Dec 19: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, today conducted a visit to Handwara to explore alternate sites for the construction of the Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara. The Committee that Bhiduri heads, inspected two potential locations in the Chogal area, emphasising that both sites were situated in flood-free zones. However, a final decision on the relocation is yet to be taken.

Nodal Officer New Medical Colleges J&K, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rather, said only 5 percent of construction work had been completed at the original site, dismissing concerns of significant financial and logistical setbacks. He said the original site’s susceptibility to floods had necessitated the relocation and emphasised that the exploration of new sites aims to ensure safety and long-term sustainability. “In next two weeks, we will have identified and finalised a new location, which will be better for the people of the area in the long run,” he said. He added that in April this year, the site had been inundated, necessitating a relook.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring the timely completion of the medical college, which is a critical healthcare project for the region. He also emphasised the Committee’s focus on resolving other challenges, including accommodation and a shortage of medical personnel.

Three days ago, the Government had issued an official order to constitute a committee tasked with facilitating the relocation of the GMC Handwara project. The committee, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, includes the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Principal GMC Handwara, and Director Agriculture Kashmir as key members. Its mandate is to evaluate the feasibility of the alternative sites identified by the Deputy Commissioner, ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory norms.

The two new medical colleges, GMC Handwara and GMC Udhampur were sanctioned for J&K by GoI in December 2019. At Handwara, 200 kanals of land were earmarked for the medical college, much of it procured from the local residents. The visit comes as part of the adherence to Government order that sought a relocation of the site for the GMC. The order, as per officials, was issued in the wake of concerns raised after the under-construction GMC site was rendered unsafe due to flooding in April 2024.

The Committee is also tasked with assessing safety parameters and compliance with National Medical Commission (NMC) norms, which mandate a minimum of 200 kanals of land for medical colleges. It has been given a 15-day deadline to submit its report, with specific recommendations to facilitate the relocation process.

The relocation issue has sparked outrage among local residents, who have questioned the rationale behind the original site selection. Residents have demanded a high-level probe into the matter. On the other hand, the flooding of the site earlier this year has raised concerns about lapses in the planning and approval processes, with many urging the administration to hold those responsible accountable.