Unsafe Buildings in Poonch City have once again exposed the glaring double standards of the concerned authorities, as an officially constructed primary school building from 1988 has been declared unsafe, while far older and visibly deteriorating private structures continue to be ignored despite repeated inspection requests.
(This is a digitally created image for illustrative purposes, not an actual photograph.)
Unsafe Buildings in Poonch highlighting administrative negligence
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK JANUARY 21 2026
Unsafe Buildings in Poonch have once again brought administrative double standards under sharp public scrutiny, as authorities swiftly declared a relatively newer government primary school building unsafe while continuing to ignore repeated warnings about far older and visibly dangerous private structures in the heart of the town.
Poonch, January 21:Residents of Poonch city have raised serious concerns over what they describe as selective enforcement and alarming indifference by concerned departments towards buildings that pose an imminent threat to public safety.
Newer school building declared unsafe
A rented government primary school building constructed in 1988 was recently declared unsafe by the authorities. The decision was taken citing structural safety concerns, leading to disruption of academic activities and inconvenience to students and parents alike.
While safety assessments of educational institutions are essential, locals question the urgency shown in this case when several much older and more hazardous buildings continue to function without any official inspection.
Older buildings ignored despite repeated warnings
A private building in Sadar Bazaar, built before 1960, remains standing despite visible damage. Its owners have repeatedly requested a structural inspection.
However, no technical team has visited the site so far. Officials have neither declared the building unsafe nor provided any written response, raising fears that responsibility may later be unfairly shifted onto the owners in case of an accident.
Former bank branch flagged safety risks
The seriousness of the issue became evident when the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, which was operating a branch on the upper floor of the same building, formally wrote to the owners highlighting structural safety concerns.
Following the warning, the bank vacated the upper floor. The building now houses seven shops on the ground floor, where shopkeepers and customers remain exposed to potential danger every day.
Despite the bank’s written communication and repeated alerts by the owners, the concerned department has failed to act.
Public safety at stake
Residents of Poonch city are alarmed. They say authorities show selective enforcement. Many buildings that threaten public safety remain unchecked.
This is a clear case of double standards, said a local trader. “Authorities act swiftly where it suits them, but remain silent where decisive action is urgently needed”.
Demand for immediate inspection and reconstruction permission
Citizens and building owners are now demanding immediate intervention. They have urged the administration to conduct a comprehensive structural audit, declare the building unsafe if required, and grant permission for demolition and fresh construction without further delay.
The issue of unsafe buildings in Poonch City is not isolated, as similar civic and administrative failures have been reported earlier in other parts of the district.
Experts warn that continued inaction could lead to irreversible consequences, especially in densely populated commercial areas like Sadar Bazaar.
Questions for the authorities
The situation raises uncomfortable questions about accountability and consistency in governance. Why was a newer building declared unsafe promptly, while much older and riskier structures remain unchecked? Who will bear responsibility if tragedy strikes?
Jammu & Kashmir Public Works Department
According to the National Building Code of India, buildings showing structural distress must undergo immediate safety audits to prevent loss of life and property.
For now, Unsafe Buildings in Poonch remain a looming threat, and residents hope that this time, the warning signs will not be ignored.
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