Rights panel questions slow pace of construction at Panchkula civil hospital

The commission directed Haryana’s PWD B&R to submit a detailed report on why the construction has not been completed

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) on Tuesday raised serious concerns over delays in construction work at Panchkula’s Sector 6 civil hospital and directed the Haryana’s public works department (PWD) to file a detailed report before the next hearing.

The Commission directed that a report be requisitioned from the engineer-in-chief, PWD B&R, Haryana, explaining why the civil hospital construction has not been completed. (HT Photo for representation)

During a resumed hearing regarding basic amenities at the civil hospital, the Commission emphasised that the hospital is a lifeline for Panchkula residents and their basic rights are being compromised.

The complainant, SK Nayar, president of the Citizens’ Welfare Association, Panchkula, told the Commission that only about 70% of civil work at the hospital has been completed. He also highlighted several irregularities in the hospital and submitted a detailed note outlining his observations.

Komal Sharawat, ADA, stated that the chief medical officer (CMO) has been continuously writing letters to the PWD, B&R department, urging the completion of the work.

The Commission directed that a report be requisitioned from the engineer-in-chief, PWD B&R, Haryana, explaining why the civil hospital construction has not been completed. The engineer-in-chief was also instructed to depute a senior officer fully familiar with the project and its records for the next hearing. The Commission held that the continuous delay in completing the hospital is the sole responsibility and liability of PWD, Haryana.

The complaint was originally filed by SK Nayar in March last year, highlighting alleged shortcomings in providing basic amenities and facilities at the Sector 6 civil hospital.