People struggle for basic amenities
Govind Sharma
JAMMU: Inhabitants of Ward No 38 of Jammu Municipal Corporation are still without basic amenities like regular water supply and proper sanitation system as lanes and drains are in bad condition while water supply is limited to twice or thrice a week.
These problems are not limited to two or three mohallas but almost all the localities of the Ward which comprises of Sector 1 to 4 of Pamposh Colony, major parts of Buta Nagar, Pritam Nagar, Basant Nagar, Vivek Vihar, Extension Basant Nagar, Nadaar Mohalla, Adhwal Mohalla and Dispensary Mohalla.
“Drinking water shortage is a recurring problem not only in this Ward but all the new colonies that have come up on Janipur-Bantalab axis as these are located at some height. We have to wait for three days for water supply and even then water flows for 15 minutes only. We are totally dependent on private water tankers to meet our water requirement”, Anjali, a young lady of Buta Nagar said.
Rajan of Pamposh Colony Sector 1, Neha of Basant Nagar and Yogesh of Vivek Vihar also expressed same concern. They said that in Summer season, their suffering escalates as use of water increases many times due to rise in mercury while PHE water supply decreases. They hoped that the new Corporator of the Ward will resolve the issue on priority.
Shiv Kumar of Pamposh Colony Sector 4, said that a big and open nallah passes through many areas of the Ward, which has become a cause of concern for the residents, as it remain choked. Due to foul smell coming from the choked nallah, even breathing has become difficult for the people living beside the nallah. He stressed for starting a special drive to cleanse the nallah properly and its widening if possible.
“Lanes of our locality are in deteriorated condition and need immediate repair while street lights are non-functional since long but no body from the concerned department paid heed towards the issue despite many representations to the concerned authorities”, said Ashish Kaul of Buta Nagar and Vicky of Maheshwar Enclave.
Many people of the Ward also complained of unscheduled power cuts and repeated fluctuations in power supply. Vikas of Pamposh Colony and Rajeev of Basant Nagar Extension said that their localities are fully metered and everybody is paying electric bills timely but still frequent unscheduled power cuts are imposed by the Power Development Department, particularly in Summer. Moreover, they said that due to repeated fluctuation in power supply, residents fear to switch on their electric appliances.
Corporator of the Ward, Surinder Sharma, while speaking to Excelsior, said that improper water supply is a major issue in the Ward and he will try to solve the issue on priority and in the least possible time. However, till the problem is resolved, he will ensure PHE tanker water supply in the affected areas.
He also expressed that he will not only try to get Janipur Sabzi Mandi nallah de-silted but also cover it up so that the people living near the nallah in his Ward need not to inhale foul smell. On the issue of damaged lanes and drains in some areas, he said the repair work on the same will be taken up soon.
Replying to a question on unscheduled power cuts, the Corporator said that the matter will be taken up with PDD Chief Engineer for redressal. Talking on his priorities, he said that opening a library and a dispensary in his Ward are his top priorities.
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