Nitesh Sangral
Early Times Report
jammu, Dec 24: Owing to the non-availability of funds, the ambitious underground parking lot at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Jammu, has remained only on papers even after lapse of more than four years.
According to sources, the construction of underground parking at GMCH was proposed in the 2011-12 annual plan of J&K Heath Department but due to the non-release of funds, the project remained on papers only. "The project was to be executed by PWD, R&B, at an estimated cost of Rs one crore. The site for the construction has also been identified", sources said, adding that due to the non-seriousness of the outgoing government, the project could not be executed.
"During 2010-11, Rs 48.37 lacs were to be made available while a similar amount was to be released in 2011-12", sources informed, adding that after lapse for more than four years, not a single penny has been released by the successive governments.
The underground parking lot was to be constructed near new emergency block of the GMCH. "The proposal was made following chaos due to the increasing number of vehicles. At that time, the initiative was considered as one of the remedial steps to meet the menace of jamming in hospital area. But due to poor response of state government and Health and Medical Education department, the proposal remained unnoticed", they added.
At present, there is no proper mechanism to deal with parking at GMCH. Vehicles can be seen parked near the 'No Parking' sign. Neither the hospital staff nor police personnel are showing any concern to regulate the traffic at entry and exit points. "Lack of proper parking facilities for government ambulances in GMCH is creating problems for the patients and their attendants, and the situation is worsening with each passing day," sources maintained.
Documents in possession of Early Times revealed that the work was going on for the parking. However, the administration of GMCH claimed no work had been executed so far.
When contacted, Medical Superintendent, Government Medical College and Hospital, Dr Ravinder Rattan Paul, said that no such project had been executed so far. "The proposal was made, but due to non-availability of funds, the project could not start", he added. |
