Baramulla’s future debated as political leaders attend ‘Sham-e-Varmul’ event

Baramulla, Apr 12: Baramulla town witnessed a rare coming together of political leadership, civil society and traders on Saturday evening as the Traders Federation Baramulla organised “Sham-e-Varmul,” an interactive programme aimed at addressing the district’s pressing concerns and reclaiming its past glory.

The event was attended by the minister for Agriculture, Javed Ahmad Dar, besides four serving MLA’s including Javed Hassan Beigh, Irfan Hafeez Lone, Sajad Shafi Uri and Irshad Rasool Kar, alongside prominent civil society members.

 Speakers painted a grim picture of the district’s current state, highlighting issues such as the lack of multi-storey parking, poor road conditions along the highway from Delina to Khanpora road stretch, frequent waterlogging near educational institutions, and an overall decline in urban aesthetics.

Concerns were also raised over delays in key healthcare infrastructure at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, including a cath lab and MRI facilities, despite funds being released. The invitee MLAs said that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a mini secretariat under one roof has already been prepared, while demands were reiterated for a football academy and the transfer of the old NTPHC hospital building to GMC for expansion. And slew of other development issues.

Recalling the Baramulla a “gateway of Kashmir” that has lost its sheen over time, Uri MLA Sajad Shafi Uri said the town requires urgent attention and a comprehensive facelift. “We will work towards turning Baramulla into a model town,” he assured. Echoing similar sentiments, Wagoora MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone described Baramulla as a historic district that once encompassed Kupwara and Bandipora, stressing the need to strengthen institutions like GMC Baramulla for better healthcare delivery across North Kashmir. Baramulla MLA Javed Hassan Beigh acknowledged past neglect and said the district had suffered due to a lack of collective responsibility. “We failed to preserve what we had. But the time has come to rebuild,” he said, promising expansion of GMC facilities “at any cost.” Beigh also outlined a series of proposed interventions, including construction of three multi-level parking facilities to ease congestion, development of a sewage treatment plant, beautification of riverbanks, and resolution of long-pending issues such as the degree college land dispute dating back to 1968. He added that a maternity hospital, improved drinking water supply, and better drainage systems are among his priorities.

 The MLA further revealed plans for a 100-bedded hostel at Khawajabagh and infrastructure improvements around women’s college crossings. He said a proposal to declare Baramulla a “heritage town” has been moved, with a team from Delhi expected to visit for assessment. “Once declared as the heritage town, the town will be transformed into a model town. It will be a major attempt towards restoring its lost glory,” Beigh said. Minister Javed Ahmad Dar assured that the concerns raised would be taken up at the highest level, while Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar also stressed coordinated efforts for regional development. The programme concluded with a collective resolve to restore Baramulla’s “pristine glory,” with stakeholders agreeing that sustained political will and administrative efficiency will be key to transforming the historic town.