Srinagar-The Jammu and Kashmir government has stated that the construction of an additional block at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Habak has been halted by the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) due to regulatory constraints.
Responding to a query raised by MLA Salman Sagar, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo informed the assembly that the project was sanctioned under Government Order No. 656-JK (HME) of 2022, dated September 15, 2022, with an estimated budget of Rs. 1899.74 lakh.
“The tendering process was initiated by the executing agency after obtaining administrative approval. However, the required statutory clearance from LCMA is still pending,” Itoo said.
She further cited a ruling by the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, issued on September 6, 2022 (PIL No. 159/2002), which prohibits new construction within 200 meters of Dal Lake’s boundary, barring repairs and renovations of existing structures. In light of this, the Principal of Government Medical College, Srinagar, had filed an application (C.M No. 4159/2024) requesting permission for the hospital expansion. The court, in its directive on August 5, 2024, instructed LCMA to review the application within three weeks, but no decision has been made yet.
Additionally, the Housing and Urban Development Department noted that construction commenced without obtaining prior clearance from the competent authority. “Since the site falls within the restricted 200-meter buffer zone, fresh construction is prohibited unless it falls under repair, renovation, or reconstruction guidelines. The matter is currently being evaluated by the Board of Competent Authority (BOCA),” the minister stated.
Despite the stalled expansion, Itoo highlighted that patient footfall at SDH Hazratbal has surged over the past three years due to improved services, including round-the-clock digital X-ray facilities, high-end ultrasound, an upgraded dental section, and enhanced maternal and child healthcare services. She acknowledged the need for additional infrastructure but reassured that the hospital is sufficiently staffed with medical and paramedical personnel.
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