Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 3: Former Minister and senior BJP leader, Choudhary Sukhnandan Kumar, came down heavily on the then National Conference (NC)- accusing it of criminal negligence towards Jammu’s safety and development.
Producing a letter of 2013 written by the then Managing Director of Jammu & Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC), to then NC Government, Sukhnandan said the warnings highlighted in that communication were ignored, resulting in the recurring flood threat to the city.
Ch. Sukhnandan disclosed this at a press conference here today along with Dr Pardeep Mahotra media incharge BJP, J&K, Ex Sarpanch, Ch Bachan Lal from Abdulian, and Ex Sarpanch Binny Sharma from Badyal Brahamana.
The letter, dated May 14, 2013, had cautioned the Chief Engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department about the faulty alignment of the barrage on Nikki Tawi, downstream of the newly constructed 4th Tawi bridge. The MD, JKPCC, had clearly pointed out that the placement of the barrage gates posed a grave risk of flooding in the adjoining residential areas during Monsoon discharge. However, Sukhnandan said, the NC Government at that time “chose to sleep over the issue rather than act in the interest of Jammu.”
“Had the then Government taken corrective measures, today’s flood situation would not have emerged. This letter is proof of how Jammu’s concerns were brushed aside by the rulers of that time,” Sukhnandan alleged.
He added that the present flood situation in Jammu is a direct consequence of that apathy. “It was only because the BJP Government later constructed embankments along Tawi that large parts of Jammu South and adjoining areas have been saved from destruction today. Otherwise, the negligence of 2013 would have turned catastrophic for the entire region.”
The former Minister accused NC of treating Jammu as a stepchild while focusing all resources on Kashmir. “For them, Jammu’s safety was never a priority. This selective governance has brought us to where we are today,” he charged.
Sukhnandan demanded accountability for those who had overlooked the JKPCC’s official warning and asked the present administration to strengthen flood protection works in Jammu without delay.
“This document is a reminder of how indifferent governance can put lives and property at risk. Let it also serve as a call for action so that such blunders are never repeated,” Sukhnandan said.
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