Ajay Sharma
Rajouri, (J&K)
Construction of a ₹10 lakh community hall in Nala Panchayat, Sunderbani Tehsil of Rajouri district has come to a halt amid allegations of procedural lapses, favouritism and undue pressure.
According to sources, the project, sanctioned under the Rural Development Department (RDD) and allotted to a contractor through the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Sunderbani, is meant to cater to four villages of the Panchayat — Nahoti, Makol, Nala and Barnara.
“The hall, being a public asset of the panchayat, should serve the larger community rather than individual or localised interests,” sources said, adding that the project has been politicised.
They alleged that a resident, Ashok Kumar Sharma of Barnara, Ward No. 5, is being pressured over land.
“Sharma faced pressure — including from alleged goons — to part with additional land for the project after initially providing some space,” sources claimed. They added that the site selection has sparked objections from residents of several areas, who argue it favours certain former Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members seeking proximity to their homes for personal gain instead of choosing a centrally accessible location for all villages.
Sources further alleged that the Block Level Worker (BLW) and the BDO of Sunderbani flouted established norms.
“No resolution was passed in Gram Sabha meetings with representatives from all four villages, no public videography of proceedings was conducted, and consultations were reportedly held informally at private residences of influential former PRIs instead of the panchayat house,” sources said. They added that work was allowed to commence unilaterally before objections led to the present standstill.
Meanwhile, locals have approached higher authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner, Additional DC Sunderbani and the concerned Tehsildar, seeking immediate intervention.
They have demanded that the BDO and VLW convene a formal panchayat-level meeting, obtain a public resolution with participation from all villages, and ensure transparent videography of the entire process.
Residents have warned that if the project proceeds without adhering to these steps, they will move the High Court and name the concerned officials as parties in any litigation.
They have also urged the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir to probe how the work commenced without public consensus or compliance with laid-down norms.
