VIKAS SHARMA
JAMMU, SEPT 12: The Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College — one of the premier educational institutions in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir — has now become an open entry point for anyone, including outsiders, due to the partial demolition of its boundary wall.
The wall, broken to accommodate vehicle parking during Independence Day celebrations on August 15 at MA Stadium, has remained unrepaired for nearly a month, raising serious security and infrastructural concerns among students and faculty alike.
A recent visit to the campus revealed a worrying scenario — the main entrance stands ineffective, and the demolished portion of the wall allows unrestricted access to the premises. College officials expressed deep concern over the delay in reconstruction, emphasizing that every year the wall is temporarily dismantled and rebuilt within a week or two. However, this time, despite clear government directives, the reconstruction work has yet to commence.
Speaking with IMCSD Herald, college staff pointed to a circular issued on June 13, 2025, by the Higher Education Department. The order, signed by Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director of Colleges, strictly prohibits using college grounds for parking or other non-educational activities during government functions.
“The directive was meant to protect college playing fields and recreational spaces from commercial or non-academic exploitation. It also instructed that any damage caused should be promptly repaired with coordination from relevant authorities,” the staff explained.
What makes the situation even more alarming is that the college administration was not informed prior to the wall’s demolition. “Not only the boundary wall but other facilities such as the playground, washrooms, and infrastructure have been severely damaged,” they revealed.
Earlier, torrential rains were cited as the reason for the delay, but now with favorable weather conditions prevailing, the lack of urgency in restoring the wall has left students and faculty frustrated.
“Every year we spend lakhs of rupees repairing damages caused by parking vehicles. This time, the risk is far greater — the broken wall has become an easy access point for drug peddlers, posing a grave threat to students’ safety,” the staff warned. The fear among students is palpable, with many expressing anxiety over their well-being and the misuse of the campus.
The students also voiced their displeasure. “We used to play football, cricket, and other sports in the playground. Now, everything is ruined and unsafe. We feel neglected,” a group of students said during an interaction.
When contacted, Parvez Malik, Executive Engineer (PWD), admitted that the demolition was carried out annually to facilitate parking during the celebrations. “We usually complete the construction within a week or ten days, but torrential rains delayed the process this time,” he explained. Malik further stated that the department has offered the college authorities the option to either rebuild the wall or install a gate and is waiting for their response to initiate the repairs.
