Srinagar, 06-Dec; Rakh-e-Arth, once a wetland at Bemina here that was turned into a site for rehabilitation of Dal dwellers shifted from the lake for its preservation, has turned into a slum.The dislocated population from the Dal was relocated in the area but it has no basic civic amenities.On Monday, a large number of Dal dwellers who arrived here in Press Enclave Srinagar said that even Government has admitted that Rakh-e-Arth is not suitable for habitation as the houses there have developed cracks.“Over 1100 house-holds have been shifted to Rakh-e-Arth but they are ruing their fate. There is no facility and it in no way is a suitable place for dwelling,” they said.The colony which is spread over an area of 7526 kanals was supposed to be developed on modern lines with all basic facilities like public parks, hospitals, schools, Mosques and play fields, but as such nothing has been done for this colony.As per locals at Rakh-e-Arth the hospital and school buildings are under construction for past 4 years, “but the process of their construction is very slow that its completion looks bleak in near future.”Apart from issues related to education of children, the rehabilitees at Rakh-e-Arth are also facing inadequate health care facilities as there is not a single health facility in the area.In 2007, the government announced to relocate Dal dwellers and rehabilitate them at Rakh-e-Arth which was supposed to be developed on modern lines, with all facilities like hospitals, schools, and other amenities.(CNS)
