Villagers protest relocation of GMC Handwara

Kupwara, Dec 16: The Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to relocate the Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara from its originally approved site has provoked a strong backlash from the residents of Gund Chogal.

The announcement has left the community bewildered and disheartened. “We are shocked by this sudden decision. When the government first approved this location for the GMC, the entire village was filled with hope and optimism. Farmers willingly vacated their land, which had been cultivated for generations. Many even felled trees to clear the area, viewing it as a pathway to development and prosperity for the entire region,” Abdul Rashid War, a local, told Greater Kashmir.

The relocation has been justified by the government on the grounds of flood risks, but this reason has led to a series of questions. “After substantial investments were made in infrastructure, the government now claims flood risks as the justification for moving the college. This raises serious concerns. Why weren’t such risks identified earlier in the planning phase? Why were these issues overlooked before public funds were allocated and the site approved?” asked another villager.

A sense of betrayal runs deep among the villagers. “We feel betrayed. The funds spent so far are taxpayer money, and this abrupt change in plans is a misuse of those resources,” Muhammad Iqbal, former Sarpanch of Gund Chogal lamented while talking to this correspondent.

“We demand accountability from the authorities who approved the site without conducting a thorough risk assessment. The people of Gund Chogal deserve transparency. We urge the government to take responsibility for this oversight and ensure those responsible for the approval process are held accountable,” he further added.

“The government can adopt modern techniques to mitigate flood risks, such as river dredging and the construction of flood barriers. Relocating the college is not only a waste of resources but also an unnecessary decision,” argued another villager.

In light of the widespread discontent, the villagers have called on the Chief Minister and the Health Department to intervene, urging the government to reconsider the relocation of GMC Handwara.