Srinagar, December 08 (KNO) : Even after spending hefty amount on its construction, the lone fountain that came up five years ago is non-functional in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. The locals said that the lone fountain constructed at Regirpora Bridge is defunct for years now as the authorities have failed to maintain it and keep it functional. "Ever since, the fountain was constructed, it was never made functional but could only be seen functional during the VIP movement,” they said.
Official sources however told KNO that the fountain was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 15 lakhs. Locals and shopkeepers said that, this fountain is made functional only when VIPs are visiting the frontier district. “Ever since the construction work of the fountain was completed, it was functional for few weeks only following which it developed some technical snag in its motor,” they said, adding that after that it was seen functional only during recent visit of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and union home minister, Rajnath Singh.
“The place has become safe haven for stray dogs and mentally retarded persons,” they said, adding that this particular place has become a hub of stray dogs and mentally challenged persons who round the clock could be seen sitting near the fountain, thus making unsafe for the locals and commuters. The fountain has suffered some damage as well, waste material and other material could be seen floating in the fountain, which has turned it into mess. However, Executive Officer of Municipal Committee (MC) Kupwara couldn’t be reached for the comments in this regard.(KNO)