Key Facts
For the past two years, the Public Works Department (PWD) and Jal Shakti Department offices in Una district have been operating from the fourth floor of the multi-purpose building in Pandoga. This arrangement has become a major source of inconvenience for the public, especially the elderly, disabled, and sick individuals who struggle to climb four flights of stairs.
Details of the Issue
According to information, both departments have been functioning from rented premises in the multi-purpose building for nearly two years. The monthly rent for each office is approximately ₹5,000. Local residents report that many elderly people are forced to sit and rest midway while climbing the stairs, while disabled persons find it extremely difficult to reach the offices without assistance.
Advocate Mohit Agnibotri from Khadd said, “The offices of Jal Shakti and PWD located on the fourth floor of the community building are causing trouble for the elderly, women, and disabled. Given the inconvenience, attention should be paid to installing a lift here or shifting the offices to the ground floor.”
Naresh Datta, a resident of Khadd, added, “Reaching the PWD and Jal Shakti offices on the fourth floor is difficult for people. Especially the elderly and disabled find it very hard to get there. Until a new building is constructed for the offices, services should be provided to the people on the ground floor.”
Impact on Public
The location of these offices on the fourth floor has turned routine government work into a physical challenge for many citizens. People say that the purpose of government offices is to provide convenience to the public, but the current system is increasing people's difficulties. Offices should be operated at a place where common people can easily reach. People have demanded installation of a lift here.
Officials' Response
Puneet Sharma, Executive Engineer of Jal Shakti Department Sub-Division Haroli, and Arvind Chaudhary, Assistant Engineer of PWD Sub-Division Khadd, stated, “The difficulties faced by the people are in our attention. The department is searching for suitable land for construction of its own building so that a permanent office can be built for the convenience of the people in the future.”
What Readers Should Know
- Both PWD and Jal Shakti offices have been on the fourth floor of the multi-purpose building in Pandoga for about two years.
- Monthly rent for each office is ₹5,000.
- Elderly, disabled, and sick individuals face great difficulty in accessing the offices due to lack of lift.
- Officials are looking for land to construct permanent buildings.
- Local residents have demanded either a lift installation or shifting of offices to ground floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are PWD and Jal Shakti offices in Una located on the fourth floor?
Both departments have been operating from rented space on the fourth floor of the multi-purpose building in Pandoga for about two years due to lack of their own buildings.
What problems do people face due to these offices being on the fourth floor?
Elderly, disabled, and sick individuals find it very difficult to climb four flights of stairs. Many have to rest midway, and there is no lift facility.
What is the monthly rent for these offices?
Each department pays approximately ₹5,000 per month as rent for the office space.
What steps are being taken to resolve the issue?
Officials say they are searching for suitable land to construct permanent buildings for both departments to ensure better public convenience in the future.