Sanat Nagar Industrial Estate crumbling under neglect

Srinagar, Oct 28: The Sanat Nagar Industrial Estate, once among Kashmir’s most vibrant industrial hubs, is facing a severe crisis due to years of neglect and administrative apathy, the Sanat Nagar Industrial Estate Association said on Monday.

In a press statement, Mohammad Altaf, Secretary General of the Association, said the estate is on the brink of collapse as its condition has worsened drastically since its management was transferred from the District Industries Centre (DIC) Budgam to the J&K Small Industries Development Corporation (SICOP).

Altaf said despite heavy spending on so-called development works, including road resurfacing and installation of a lighting system, the situation on the ground remains grim. “The lighting system stopped functioning within weeks of installation, leaving the entire estate in darkness. The absence of security has turned the area into a refuge for drug addicts and miscreants, with thefts becoming frequent,” he said.

He added that repeated representations by the Association to SICOP have gone unheeded. “The recently macadamised roads are already crumbling under moderate load, reflecting the use of substandard material. Unchecked garbage and civic neglect have reduced this once-bustling estate to a picture of decay and disorder,” Altaf said.

The Association has urged the Chief Minister to take immediate steps to restore the estate’s management to the Industries Department, blaming SICOP’s inaction for endangering the survival of dozens of industrial units. “Sanat Nagar, a cornerstone of Kashmir’s industrial history, deserves better than bureaucratic indifference and cosmetic development. Without prompt intervention, this vital industrial estate may face an unfortunate and avoidable demise,” Altaf warned.