Srinagar, May 23 (JKNS): Former MLA Mohammad Ashraf Mir has raised serious concerns over the proposed relocation of a newly established Children’s Park, Community Centre, and Cafeteria at Athwajan, which, according to him, serve as vital public amenities for the residents of Athwajan, Pandrethan, and Pantha Chowk.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mir pointed out that the facility was developed by the Tourism Department and Srinagar Municipal Corporation for young families and children in the locality. He said the removal of this facility to make way for the proposed campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu would deprive the community of its only public recreational space.
“It has come to our notice that the Government has allocated the premises for the campus office of the Indian Institute of Management, Jammu. While we support the government’s efforts to expand higher education infrastructure, this particular location uniquely fulfills public welfare needs,” Mir wrote in the letter dated May 23, 2025.
No Comparable Facilities Nearby: “Athwajan, Pandrethan and Pantha Chowk is home to countless young children and growing families, yet until the inauguration of our park and cafeteria, there was no dedicated recreational or community space within convenient reach. Removing this facility would deprive the area and its residents of the basic facilities that they deserve.”
Alternative Sites Readily Available: Mir suggested that several government-owned plots lie vacant and would be more suitable for the proposed IIM campus without disrupting neighborhood services. He specifically recommended:
“The open land measuring 20 Kanals belonging to the Dept. of Animal Husbandry in front of Delhi Public School (DPS), Srinagar.”
“The unused government land adjacent to Pantha Chowk Police Station belonging to SDA Deptt.
“By choosing one of these alternate locations, the state can both advance its educational mission and preserve the only public children’s facility in the vicinity,” Mir emphasized.
He concluded by requesting the Chief Minister to reconsider the decision and identify one of the alternate sites for IIM Jammu. “This compromise will ensure that no section of our community is disadvantaged as Jammu & Kashmir continues its progress in education and public welfare,” he wrote.
The appeal reflects growing concern among locals regarding the future of the vital community space amid infrastructure expansion. (JKNS)
