Completing the unfinished projects

Apart from absence of proper planning in executing various developmental projects in Kashmir, the other most glaring deficiency is the process of leaving projects half complete especially with changes in government which sometimes occur too often. A few times the foundation stones are laid and the work fails to start before the rulers are out. As a result many a time, even the foundation stones have been stolen! The fault does not lie with rulers alone. Our engineers and concerned officers are equally responsible for the mess. It has been often observed that many engineers or experts instead of giving correct technical advice and standing by it, cater to whims and fancies of the rulers. Another important aspect of the engineering works is the planned schemes instead of being completed in a fixed time-frame are deliberately converted into something called “on going” schemes. These works keep on going for years without getting completed. These are a continuous source of income to one and all involved with these projects. In many countries where engineering works are taken up, these have a fixed time schedule. The failure of the construction agency to complete in time involves huge penalties sometimes levied on daily basis after the scheduled date of completion. Same is regarding the quality of work which is often checked by consultants not involved in execution. The living example of an incomplete project is the fly over. During tenure of three governments the work has been going on. It was supposed to be funded by the Asian Development Bank who have reportedly withdrawn? Firstly it was not the only solution to sort out the traffic mess. It was allegedly started to ease the movement of VIPs to and from the airport during uncertain conditions. Well, now that it has been started there is no alternative but to complete it. The last government just completed one of its limbs. Let us hope the rest of the limbs too get completed soon. Another interesting case is the skewed bridge. It was started by one government and then left half way after its alignment was changed. The last one converted it into a foot bridge. There are three foot bridges on Jhelum within a distance of one kilometre. There are a number of bridges in different parts of Kashmir valley which have been started and left half way. Another case is the half complete maternity hospital on bye pass road which has now been reportedly occupied by paramilitary! It would be a great social service if a list of all unfinished projects lingering on and on is prepared and the completion of these ordered on a priority basis.

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