Abandoned ‘Marriage Hall’ in Sopore becomes safe haven for drug addicts

The government-owned building for ‘Marriage Hall’ at Muslimpeer in Ward 15 of Sopore town has become a nuisance with people alleging that the building has become a safe haven for drug addicts.

The building as per the locals had been left abandoned about six years ago, following which it turned into a hub of illegal activities, besides a safe haven for drug peddlers.

“In 2021, the authorities promised to utilize the building as a drug rehabilitation centre. But it proved a hoax as nothing has been done on ground till now”, they said.

The project was under special area programmes – special plan strategic schemes drawn up by the governments keeping in view the basic needs of the people.

Mohammad Shafi Changal, a local resident, told news agency that the building is in shambles due to the sheer negligence of the authorities. “The structure is in complete shambles with broken windows and doors,” he added.

The building was abandoned midway after spending crores on it only to turn it into a safe haven for drug addicts, said another local, Abdul Jabbar.

“In the premises of the building, one can find empty bottles of codeine (banned drug) and empty strips of drugs used by the addicts, who come in the evening hours and cause inconvenience to the passerby,” he said.

Locals, however, urged the lieutenant governor and district administration to intervene in the matter and direct the concerned officials to take immediate steps for the renovation work.

Executive engineer R&B division Sopore Himayun Raina when contacted told KNO that the estimated cost of the project was Rs 101.88 lakh but some of the amount is pending and hence it was left incomplete.

Additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Sopore, Parveez Sajad despite repeated calls did not attend the phone calls—(KNO)