Congress leader and Media Coordinator Kashmir, Dr. Audil Farooq Mir Lasjan, has raised serious concerns over the staggering infrastructural deficit in the 22-Lal Chowk Assembly Constituency.
"Despite being the heart of the capital, the constituency remains plagued by stalled, incomplete, and delayed developmental projects due to bureaucratic red tape, unresolved land acquisition issues, and the non-payment of contractors," he stated.
Dr. Audil delivered a scathing critique of the administration’s failure to devise a clear developmental roadmap, particularly in the critical sectors of education, healthcare, agriculture, and sports.
"Vital infrastructure projects—including roads, bridges, public buildings, and drainage systems—are either abandoned or progressing at a sluggish pace. The long-pending dues of contractors have further crippled progress, discouraging investment and worsening the region’s economic stagnation," he remarked.
Addressing the alarming state of education, Dr. Audil underscored the urgent need for modern infrastructure, trained teaching staff, and digital learning resources.
"Many schools, especially in rural and semi-urban pockets, still lack proper buildings, laboratories, and internet access, leaving students at a severe disadvantage in an increasingly digital world," he emphasized.
The healthcare sector, he warned, is equally distressed. "Government hospitals and primary health centers are struggling due to a shortage of doctors, paramedical staff, and essential medical equipment. Residents are often left with no choice but to travel long distances for even the most basic medical care," he pointed out.
Dr. Audil also voiced strong concerns over the neglect of the agricultural sector. "Farmers continue to suffer due to inadequate irrigation facilities, lack of market linkages, and an absence of supportive policies," he said, further criticizing the government's indifference toward sports infrastructure. "The lack of investment in sports has deprived the youth of opportunities to nurture their talents and pursue professional careers," he added.
Raising the issue of halted mining activities in Athwajan, Panthachowk, and Zewan, he condemned the administration’s inaction.
"The sudden closure of mining operations has not only triggered massive unemployment but has also disrupted the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the sector," he stated.
Calling for immediate government intervention, Dr. Audil demanded swift clearance of pending payments to contractors and the expeditious resolution of land acquisition hurdles to accelerate stalled projects.
"We need a well-defined strategy, with priority budgetary allocations and strict transparency in execution, to uplift the education, healthcare, agricultural, and sports sectors," he urged.
"The people of Lalchowk Assembly Constituency deserve more than empty promises and bureaucratic delays. They have the right to modern infrastructure, quality public services, and a future brimming with opportunities. I urge the concerned authorities and elected representatives to rise above negligence and take decisive action to fulfill their commitments to the people," Dr. Audil asserted.