Baramulla, Jan 9: The Auqaf-i-Islami Baramulla has come under severe criticism from various quarters for stopping the construction work on hospital at Bagh-i-Islam here for the ‘lack of funds.’
 According to the locals, the Auqaf-i-Islami spent Rs 60 lakh for the construction of two storey hospital and stopped the work midway. “Eight years ago, the Auqaf sold 18 kanals of land at a prime location and started the work on the project which could have immensely benefited the town population. But lack of vision and improper planning forced Auqaf-i-Islami to abandon the project,” Ashiq Hussain of Old Town Baramulla told Greater Kashmir. 
 Although, the Auqaf has urged the district administration to take over the under construction hospital building and turn it into a health centre, however there hadn’t bee any headway in this connection. “The incomplete building has been turned into a garbage dump,” the locals said adding the structure has become feeding grounds for dogs and other animals.  
 The people have accused the Auqaf of having myopic vision.
 “The organization has lost the asset of land which now values crores of rupees in the market,” the residents said adding the Auqaf needs to revamp itself. 
 “The Auqaf should not confine themselves to the festivals of Eid only. They must change the overall policy of the organization and come up with some innovative ideas,” Irfan Ahmad of Old town Baramulla said.
 When contacted, the Auqaf president, Abdul Rehman Shalla said “The project was given green signal by the then Majlis-e- Shoora in 2002 and I was not part of it.”
 “We have proposed to the administration to take over the building and turn it into a health centre. But unfortunately the administration is not paying any attention” he said.  

Lastupdate on : Sun, 9 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 9 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST