Century-old Palampur police station in a shambles

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, January 12

The 102-year-old local police station building, spread over 8 kanals, is on the verge of collapse. Experts have already declared the building as unsafe but still the government has made no efforts to construct a new police complex in the town.

The state has reconstructed or renovated most police station buildings but Palampur has been left out.

A few years ago also, the plight of the building was highlighted in these columns. Thereafter, minor repairs were done in the building but no funds were sanctioned for a new one.

The British had constructed the police station complex in 1919. After the Kangra earthquake of 1905, the building was re-constructed with the mud-missionary technique without using cement. However, in the past few years, the condition of the building has gone from bad to worse.

The district authorities have, time and again, submitted detailed estimates to the government, seeking funds for the construction for a new complex, but in vain. The police station is among the most important of the district as it looks after the safety of over one lakh residents.

A few years ago, the government hurriedly declared the building as a heritage property and its demolition was stayed. However, no funds were allotted for the repair of the complex to keep it in its original shape. Kangra SP Khushal Sharma says that a detailed project report (DPR) for a new building is being prepared.

Govt apathy

• The British constructed the complex in 1919 with mud-missionary technique, without using cement
• Declared unsafe, minor repairs were done in the building but no funds sanctioned for a new one
• The state has reconstructed or renovated most police station buildings but Palampur has been left out
• District authorities submitted detailed estimates to the government seeking funds for a new complex, but in vain
• A few years ago, the government declared the building as a heritage property and its demolition was stayed