Bandipora, Mar 15: Former Minister and senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar has expressed serious concern over reports that a newly constructed pedestrian pathway near the Ziyarat Shareef of Subhan Sahib in Gundpora village of Arin block in Bandipora district was allegedly damaged and its tiles removed overnight.
In a statement issued here, Akhtar termed the incident unfortunate and said such developments raise serious questions about the functioning and monitoring of development works at the grassroots level. He said it is a matter of concern if public assets constructed with government funds are damaged and the same works are again proposed for fresh approvals.
“It reflects sheer negligence and lack of accountability if authorities allow such practices where existing infrastructure is damaged and new approvals are sought for the same work,” he said.
The PDP leader urged the district administration to immediately investigate the matter and maintain a strict watch on the development works being carried out in the area. He stressed that public money must be utilised transparently and only for genuine development needs.
Akhtar also called upon the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Jammu and Kashmir to examine all works executed under various government schemes in the block, so that any irregularities, if present, are brought to light.
“Public funds are meant for the welfare and development of people. If anyone is found involved in damaging public assets or misusing development funds, strict action must be taken as per law,” he said, while appealing to the administration to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents in the future.
