Patwaris continue to operate from dilapidated building

Nitish Sharma

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Tribune News Service

Ambala, January 25

Days after a portion of patwarkhana, which is functioning in an old building in the Ambala Cantonment, collapsed, patwaris and kanoongo continue to operate from the same building, risking their lives.

The entire building is in a dilapidated condition and poses constant threat to patwaris and visitors as well. Patwaris of nine circles covering 57 villages are operating from this patwarkhana.

Earlier, patwaris used to operate from different locations, but around 15 years ago, on verbal directions of the then Deputy Commissioner, patwaris started operating from this building. A major tragedy was averted after a portion of patwarkhana, collapsed in the wee hours on January 15.

A patwari said “It was a disputed property. Earlier, the patwaris used to operate from different locations but on verbal directions of the then Deputy Commissioner, they started operating from this building. The patwarkhana functioning in Ambala Cantonment is also in a dilapidated condition and is on the verge of collapse.”Another patwari said.

“While one room has already collapsed, the entire building is on the verge of collapse. A portion of roof has collapsed recently and fortunately the incident happened in the wee hours else there could have been a major incident. There is no toilet facility here. The record since year 1963 is lying here- though the copy of the same record is safe in Ambala City- in case of any incident the record will also get damage here.”

Meanwhile, Kanoongo Sanjay Kumar, said he had recently joined the office and was not aware about the condition of the building.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ambala Cantonment Subhash Sihag, said, “We are searching for an alternate place to shift the Patwaris. They have also been asked to suggest any appropriate place so that they can be shifted soon.”