AIIMS Awantipora delayed as location was chosen for political reasons, not suitability: Omar Abdullah

“Security concerns delayed DPR by over year, but cost issues were addressed, plan to start OPD services by March or April next year; People’s emotions over Hazratbal emblem were ignored, action was taken against them”

Srinagar, Sept 8 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the delay in the construction of AIIMS was primarily due to the location being selected on political grounds rather than based on its suitability for a hospital, resulting in security and logistical challenges.

Speaking to reporters as Per KNS in Pulwma, CM Omar said that the decision to build the AIIMS facility at the current site was made without assessing whether the area was appropriate for such a project. “This is not the fault of AIIMS. First of all, the site was decided on political grounds,” he said.

He said that earlier the project faced security concerns from the army, which delayed the preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) by more than a year. “The DPR was ready later, but the entire project had to be reworked. Naturally, the cost increased, but all that was addressed,” he added.

Omar further said that the project work has now gained momentum, with the officials assuring that the hospital construction would be completed by September or October next year. “They intend to commission it in December and start OPD services by March or April next year,” he said. He also said that inpatient services are expected to start by November or December.

Referring to the recent controversy over the foundation stone placed at the Hazratbal shrine Omar said that people’s emotions were ignored, and instead, action was taken against them. “This is the first mistake that was made. No one apologized or explained the issue when people raised concerns. There was no need to build this stone. Even the Hazratbal Masjid Dargah, built by Shere Kashmir, did not have anyone’s name written on it.”(KNS)