‘Demand de-silting operations by JMC’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 18: The choked Bantalab nallah has become a major source of inconvenience for residents and commuters, as the clogged water channel frequently overflows onto the main road, causing traffic disruptions, foul smell, and unhygienic conditions in the area.
Locals complained that despite repeated representations to the authorities, the situation remains unattended. “For the last one month, this nallah has remained blocked. Every time it rains, dirty water flows on the road, making it impossible for pedestrians to walk and dangerous for two-wheeler riders,” said Rajesh Sharma, a local resident of Bantalab.
Commuters, especially office-goers and students, expressed frustration over the frequent traffic snarls caused by waterlogging. “During morning and evening hours, it takes us almost double the time to cross this stretch. The stench from the stagnant water makes it worse,” said Ritika Gupta, a commuter travelling from Bantalab to Jammu city daily.
Shopkeepers in the vicinity said their businesses were also suffering. “Customers avoid stopping here because of the filth and foul smell. We have urged the Municipal authorities to clean the nallah several times, but no action has been taken,” said Mohammad Saleem, a local shopkeeper.
Residents warned that the unattended problem could also lead to health issues. “The stagnant water is becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If this continues, the area may face an outbreak of diseases,” added Sunita Verma, another local resident.
Meanwhile, commuters and locals has urged the concerned authorities, particularly the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Flood Control Department, to immediately de-silt and clean the nallah to avoid further inconvenience to the public due to overflow nallah.
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