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| Decade on, work on new SPS library in Srinagar yet to be completed | | | Muhammad Mukaram
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Jan 25: More than a decade passed since former Chief Minster late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed laid foundation of the Sri Pratap Singh (SPS) library in Srinagar, the library is yet to be competed either due to the non- availability of funds or sluggishness of the concerned authorities.
The foundation stone of the SPS library was laid in 2004 under the regime of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress and the then Chief Minister had ensured its completion within a time period of six months.
The library which was earlier given the name of 'State of the Art' was constructed to relocate the existing SPS library Lal Mandi. Now when almost 12 years have passed the construction has remained stagnant at ground floor only while the upper five floors have seen no progress.
This multi stories central library is being built at an estimated cost of Rs.17.34 crores and would have art gallery, auditorium, fire proof blocks for manuscripts, exhibition hall, children section, researcher's cabins and cafeteria.
As per official, the construction work has remained stalled for years together due to the lack of funds from the government.
"The main reason was the lack of funding from both the Centre and state government. The project had been extended and it has been upgraded in terms of facilities. The government for many years has ceased to release funds for the construction of the library due to which it has consumed these 12 years," he said on the conditions of anonymity.
The official also said that the construction was entangled into multiple court cases that delayed it for years together.
"Earlier one lady had claimed in court that this land belonged to her. Later a portion of this allotted land was taken by the College of Education. The construction was stayed by the court for many years," he said.
The official also said that the delay in the construction has led to the cost escalation of the project.
"Earlier some Rs. 17 crore was estimated as construction cost but recently the government has approved to release some extra funds for its construction," he said.
Meanwhile sources said that the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) which was given task of its completion had been sluggish in its approach towards the project.
"Every year the JKPCC would work here for just two months. As the JKPCC is involved in the construction of multiple projects in Kashmir, it is losing its focus on various ambitious projects including it," it said.
However, the official of JKPCC admitted that the non -disbursement of has led to the delay in completion of the project.
"Basically the funds were kept withheld for long time during previous years. But now all the required funds have been released and the construction will be completed by the end of the August this year," he said. |
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