Poor planning derails GMC Baramulla’s expansion dream

Baramulla, Nov 2: Despite having more than 200 kanals of land at its disposal, the Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla is struggling with a severe shortage of space for expansion—an irony that officials attribute to haphazard and poorly planned construction during the project’s early stages.

Officials at the institution admit that the uncoordinated placement of buildings across the campus has left little room for new infrastructure, stalling several key projects. Among them is the proposed Drug De-addiction Centre, for which Rs 60 lakh have already been released, but construction has not yet begun due to a lack of available space.

“The hospital buildings are scattered all over the land, leaving no scope for additional structures,” said an official at GMC Baramulla. “Even vertical expansion is not possible because the existing foundations were not designed to support additional floors.”

Local residents and civil society members have also criticised the planning process, calling it a missed opportunity. “Unfortunately, there was no judicious use of land,” said Bashir Ahmad, a member of the Baramulla civil society. “Baramulla is a landlocked town with limited space. With proper planning and high-rise buildings, at least 50 kanals could have been saved for future needs.”

According to officials, several facilities—including boys’ and girls’ hostels and residential quarters—were originally planned to be built on the land of the old Matches Factory, which was expected to be handed over to GMC Baramulla. However, when the transfer did not materialise, these buildings were constructed within the main campus, further restricting usable space.

The college now lacks essential facilities such as a dedicated OPD block, central diagnostic centre, and laboratory—gaps officials say stem directly from poor land management. “We require at least 150 more kanals to meet current and future needs,” said an official. “Some neighbouring landowners have offered to sell around 25 kanals, and a proposal has been submitted to the district administration.”

A separate proposal is under consideration to transfer 22 kanals of land from the District Industries Centre (DIC) to GMC Baramulla for the expansion of the main hospital. However, the move has raised concerns among local traders who fear displacement.

Acknowledging the issue, MLA Baramulla Javed Hassan Beig said the scattered layout of GMC Baramulla’s infrastructure has severely limited its potential. “Had the land been used judiciously with vertical construction, the college could have easily accommodated future expansion. Unfortunately, poor planning has now left it landlocked,” he said.

Beig assured that DIC land would only be transferred once an alternative space is identified for affected unit holders. “Rehabilitation of traders and unit owners will be the first priority,” he said.