Bilal Bashir Bhat
Srinagar, July 09: In a move to restore vital healthcare services in Srinagar’s historic Shahr-e-Khaas area, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Tuesday conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing construction works of the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) at S.R. Gunj (Maharaj Gunj).
The health facility is being rebuilt after the demolition of a 150-year-old two-storey heritage structure originally built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh. The old building, which housed the Primary Health Centre, was demolished in 2018, and the services were temporarily shifted to a nearby public park, raising concerns over both public health and heritage preservation.
According to the locals, construction work has been unexpectedly halted over the years, which not only inconveniences the hundreds of patients visiting daily but also upsets the residents, as the only open ground in the congested area has been occupied by the Health Department.
The Primary Health Centre, which serves as the headquarters for the entire zone and oversees around 23 sub-centres, is in a state of neglect with no proper patient care. Approximately 500–600 patients, mostly from underprivileged backgrounds, visit the OPD every day.
During the visit, DC Labroo reviewed various aspects of the project, including brickwork, internal plastering, door and window framing, and tile installation. Officials informed him that over 50 percent of the work has already been completed, with remaining components progressing rapidly.
The DC directed the executing agency to expedite the pace of work, emphasizing the importance of timely completion for the benefit of the local population. He also underscored the need for seamless coordination among departments to swiftly resolve any pending issues and avoid delays.
“This health centre will be a crucial addition to the healthcare infrastructure of Shahr-e-Khaas,” said DC Labroo. “It will not only improve access to quality health services for the residents but also fulfill a long-pending civic need after the loss of a historic healthcare landmark.”
The inspection team accompanying the DC included Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tahir Sajad, Executive Engineer R&B, Executive Engineer KPDCL, Tehsildar Khanyar, Zonal Medical Officer S.R. Gunj, and other concerned officials.
Once completed, the UPHC S.R. Gunj is expected to significantly ease the healthcare burden in the densely populated Old City, offering modern medical services while attempting to fill the void left by the historic structure it replaces.
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