In the heart of Chadoora, Budgam, stands a structure that has sparked more questions than admiration—a clock tower that, ironically, struggles to fulfill the most basic requirement of its existence: telling time. This tower, ostensibly constructed as a symbol of progress and civic pride, has instead become a symbol of misplaced priorities, shoddy planning, and the alarming apathy that plagues public infrastructure projects in the region. At first glance, one might expect this clock tower to embody functionality, aesthetic appeal, or even cultural significance. Yet, it fails on all counts. The “clock,” a diminutive and almost comical wristwatch-like fixture awkwardly mounted on the tower, is so out of proportion that it elicits confusion rather than respect. Its visibility is questionable, its utility virtually non-existent. Moreover, the location of the tower is neither central nor in a place that garners public attention, further diminishing its significance. What story does this clock tower tell? Not one of progress or foresight, but of mediocrity, superficiality, and an astonishing lack of accountability. Public projects like these are meant to serve communities, to enrich their lives and reflect their identity. Instead, this tower reflects a disheartening truth: that far too often, public infrastructure in places like Budgam is reduced to a box-ticking exercise, where aesthetic appeal, functionality, and public consultation are sacrificed at the altar of expedience and cost-cutting. Adding to the absurdity is the recent trend in Kashmir of constructing clock towers at all tehsil headquarters. This has become a crazy competition, a futile race to erect these structures even when they are unnecessary in the modern era, where digital and mobile devices have rendered such monuments largely redundant as timekeepers. To make matters worse, while other tehsil headquarters have managed to produce clock towers that are more or less attractive and serve their basic purpose with proportionally large and functional clocks, this particular tower in Chadoora does the exact opposite. The flaws of this project extend beyond poor design.
“For Chadoora and Budgam, it is not too late to rewrite this story. Let this clock tower serve as a wake-up call, a reminder that time is of the essence—not just in fixing this failure, but in ensuring that future projects truly serve the people and stand as testaments to progress, not negligence.”
The absence of a proper clock mechanism and the lazy execution raise troubling questions about governance and public accountability. How could such an uninspiring and impractical design pass through the planning process? Was there no oversight, no consultation with architects or the local community? And if the answer is no, what does that say about the priorities of those entrusted with public funds and responsibilities? This clock tower is not just a failure of architecture; it is a failure of governance. It represents a pattern of apathy toward the cultural, aesthetic, and functional needs of communities. For the residents of Chadoora, this is not just a missed opportunity—it is a betrayal of trust. Imagine what this clock tower could have been. It could have been a landmark steeped in the rich traditions of Kashmiri architecture, adorned with intricate woodwork or patterns that reflect the valley’s artistic legacy. It could have featured a grand, functional clock visible from afar, serving as a unifying point for the community. It could have been surrounded by a thoughtfully landscaped public space, a place for gatherings and celebrations. Instead, it is a monument to what could have been—a stark reminder of what happens when vision is replaced by indifference. The clock tower of Chadoora is not an isolated failure; it is a symptom of a deeper malaise in how public infrastructure is conceived and executed. If this is the standard of development, it reflects poorly on those who claim to work in the public’s interest. Budgam, with its vibrant culture and untapped potential, deserves better. This structure, ironically, tells no time, but it does tell a story—a story of systemic neglect, uninspired governance, and squandered opportunities. It is a call to action for planners, architects, and policymakers to rethink their approach to public infrastructure. Development should not be about ticking boxes or erecting monuments to mediocrity; it should be about creating spaces that resonate with people, that reflect their aspirations and honor their heritage. For Chadoora and Budgam, it is not too late to rewrite this story. Let this clock tower serve as a wake-up call, a reminder that time is of the essence—not just in fixing this failure, but in ensuring that future projects truly serve the people and stand as testaments to progress, not negligence.
(The author is a teacher at Govt Degree College Khansahib, Budgam. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr. Ashraf Zainabi
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