Neglected landmark: Nurpur’s Bachat Bhavan crumbles amid admn apathy

The Bachat Bhavan building in Nurpur town is steadily falling into disrepair due to a lack of timely maintenance and upkeep. Built at a cost of Rs 1 crore, this government facility plays a vital role in hosting public and government functions. However, its deteriorating condition has become a growing concern for locals.

The false ceiling is badly damaged, toilets are in poor condition and several wall-mounted fans in the main hall are non-functional—causing discomfort to visitors. Despite these issues, the local administration continues to rent out the hall for family and social functions. Families from the general category are charged Rs 5,000 per day, while those from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households pay Rs 3,500.

Currently, the Bachat Bhavan is used primarily for government seminars and workshops. Before 2018, however, it served as an indoor sports venue under the management of the Nurpur Sports Club, which paid a monthly rent of Rs 5,000. During that time, the building reportedly enjoyed better upkeep.

In response to public demand and at the behest of then-local MLA Rakesh Pathania, the administration reclaimed the building on January 1, 2018, and began renting it out for community events such as weddings and feasts. The building has also served administrative purposes in the past, including as a storage and counting center for EVMs during Assembly and Lok Sabha elections—although this function has now shifted to the nearby Government Arya College premises.

Local residents Adarsh and Sourav, who recently hosted a family event at the venue, urged the administration to act swiftly to prevent further ceiling damage and potential safety hazards. Many locals consider it an affordable and accessible venue, and are demanding prompt repair.

Sources revealed that around Rs 1.5 lakh was spent on repairs two years ago, including work on the false ceiling. However, in the absence of even a part-time chowkidar, monkeys entered the premises and damaged the ceiling again.

Nurpur SDM Gursimar Singh confirmed that the administration was planning to carry out essential repairs to the false ceiling and washrooms. He assured that the building would be renovated soon and restored as a functional public facility.

Himachal Tribune