Jammu & Kashmir’s infrastructure is under scrutiny as 765 school buildings and 11 bridges have been declared unsafe, while an additional 371 bridges require urgent repairs, according to Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary.
Choudhary, who oversees the Public Works (Roads & Buildings) Department, shared these findings in response to an unstarred question by National Conference legislator Shamim Firdous in the Assembly.
Bridges Under Safety Audit
A comprehensive safety audit of 382 bridges built over 20 years ago was conducted by the Public Works Department. Findings revealed:
- 11 bridges were deemed unsafe and shut down for reconstruction.
- 250 bridges require major repairs, while 121 need minor repairs.
- The government has also initiated a safety review of bridges built 10–20 years ago, with assessments ongoing.
School Buildings Deemed Hazardous
The School Education Department, under the National School Safety Programme, conducts yearly safety audits. As a result:
- 765 school buildings have been marked unsafe and are not being used for teaching.
- Many of these structures are undergoing demolition after fulfilling necessary formalities.
- School heads have been strictly instructed not to use these unsafe buildings to protect students and staff.
- Damaged structures are being reviewed case-by-case by the PW (R&B) Department, and unsafe buildings are immediately taken out of use.
Private Schools & Health Sector Safety
To ensure safety across educational institutions, private schools must submit a building safety certificate to the School Education Department for recognition.
Meanwhile, in the Health Department, safety audits are carried out on a need-based approach. Hospital renovations, repairs, and extensions are executed based on technical feasibility and safety assessments. Notably:
- Block A of the District Hospital in Anantnag was scaled down from G+4 to G+2 following expert advice.
- Rehmat-e-Alam Hospital in Sarnal, Anantnag, was declared unsafe for medical use after an IIT Jammu safety audit.
The J&K government reassures that all safety measures are being taken to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of citizens. Regular audits and proactive action remain crucial in addressing these infrastructure concerns.
