Urgent need for NDRF Post at Thathri
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the urgent attention of the concerned authorities and the public towards a very serious and heart-wrenching issue.
Every year, we lose a large number of precious lives in tragic road accidents along the roads of Pul Doda to Hasti Kishtwar and the stretch between Thathri and Gandoh. These routes have unfortunately become accident-prone zones, claiming lives and leaving families shattered forever. Many people have lost their loved ones to the Chenab River and Gandoh Nallah, and heartbreakingly, some victims are still missing.
The grief of the families who stand helpless on the riverbanks, waiting for hours and sometimes days for rescue teams to arrive, is beyond words. These are not just numbers-each life lost is a story cut short, a dream shattered, and a family broken forever. While various factors may contribute to these accidents, it is time that preventive and responsive measures are strengthened. One of the biggest challenges faced during such incidents is the delayed rescue response, which often results in avoidable fatalities.
Thathri holds a geographically strategic position-being almost equally distant (around 30 kilometers) from Doda, Kishtwar, and Gandoh. Due to this, it is the most suitable location for establishing a dedicated and fully equipped NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) Post. If such a centre is set up with trained personnel and modern rescue equipment, immediate action could be taken during emergencies, potentially saving many lives.
My humble request to the administration, local representatives, and concerned authorities is to take this matter seriously and consider establishing an NDRF rescue and relief post at Thathri without delay. This step will not only bring relief in times of crisis but also restore hope and a sense of safety among the people of this region. I sincerely hope that my appeal will be heard, and prompt action will be taken to safeguard the lives of our people.
Sanjay Sharma
R/O Jangalwar, Thathri
Distt Doda
Aging Poles threaten public Safety
I wish to highlight a matter of public safety concerning the ongoing replacement of high-tension electricity lines in Jammu. The Power Development Department (PDD) Jammu has undertaken a commendable initiative to replace the outdated high-tension wires with a modern single-cable system. This progressive step, executed by Fibro Company, is expected to significantly curb electricity theft-a persistent issue in several parts of Jammu city-and enhance the overall reliability of power supply. The installation of new electricity poles by the private agency further indicates the administration’s intent to modernize the city’s power infrastructure.
However, an important aspect of this project appears to have been overlooked. While new poles have been erected, the old, decades-old electricity poles-many of which have developed visible cracks and structural weakness-continue to remain in place. Their continued presence not only defeats the purpose of infrastructure upgradation but also poses a serious threat to residents, commuters, and property. These ageing poles can collapse without warning, especially during adverse weather conditions, leading to potential accidents and disruptions. If the J&K administration and the PDD genuinely aims to safeguard public interest, the swift removal of these obsolete and hazardous poles must be prioritized. Timely action will not only ensure the success of the modernization drive but also reinforce public confidence in the government’s commitment to safety. Hope the concerned authorities address this issue at the very earliest.
Vivek Koul
Bank Colony Gole Gujral Jammu
Stray Cattle menace at Sabzi Mandi Janipur needs immediate action
Despite repeated requests and reminders to the Municipal Corporation Jammu, the issue of stray cattle roaming freely at Sabzi Mandi Janipur and along the entire road stretch before and beyond the market continues to remain unaddressed. The presence of these cattle has become a persistent menace, severely affecting the daily lives of commuters, shopkeepers, and residents of the area.
The Sabzi Mandi is one of the busiest public spaces in Janipur, witnessing heavy footfall throughout the day. Stray cattle blocking the road, sitting in the middle of the carriageway, and wandering near shops not only cause traffic congestion but also pose a constant threat of accidents. Two-wheelers, elderly pedestrians, and school-going children are particularly vulnerable, as sudden movement of the animals often leads to mishaps. The situation becomes even more chaotic during peak hours, when long queues of vehicles form due to the obstruction caused by these animals.
Moreover, the unhygienic environment created by the presence of cattle around food stalls and vegetable shops raises serious health concerns. Spilled vegetables, leftover waste, and open drains attract these animals, further worsening the sanitation conditions of the market.
It is unfortunate that despite clear communication from the affected public, no concrete action has been taken by the concerned department so far. The residents of Janipur once again urge the Municipal Corporation Jammu to take immediate and effective steps to address the stray cattle menace. Regular lifting drives, strict enforcement against cattle owners who abandon their animals, and better waste management could go a long way in resolving the issue. The public earnestly appeals to the authorities to intervene at the earliest to ensure smooth traffic, public safety, and a hygienic environment in and around Sabzi Mandi Janipur.
Amit Sharma
Old Janipur
Repair neglected Lane at Chinar Enclave
We, the residents of Chinar Enclave, Lane No. 5, Ward No. 63, wish to express our deep anguish and frustration over the extremely poor civic condition of our lane and the continuous inaction of the concerned authorities.
For more than five years, we have been repeatedly approaching the Jammu Municipal Corporation and the PWD Department, requesting repair of the lane and clearing of the blocked drainage system. The drain is choked at the exit point and uneven throughout the stretch, causing dirty and foul-smelling water to stagnate and flow openly.
The situation has now become a serious health hazard. Mosquitoes, insects, and unhygienic breeding spots have made life miserable for the residents-including children, elderly persons, and patients. Shockingly, since its inception, the lane has neither been tiled nor black-topped, despite multiple assurances from the concerned officials.
Unfortunately, despite several personal visits and requests to the authorities, no concrete action has been taken till date. Our repeated appeals have been ignored.
We are not asking for luxury-only for basic civic facilities, dignity, and a healthy living environment, which every citizen rightfully deserves. We hope the concerned authorities may look into the matter at the earliest.
Ravi Kumar
Chinar Enclave Lane No. 5
Ward No. 63,
Bantalab Barnai Road, Jammu
Blacktop road from Belicharana to Mandal
This is to draw attention of the concerned authorities towards the deplorable condition of Belicharana to Mandal road. This road, which connects many villages en route, is presently posing difficulties owing to its bad condition. The road is riddled with pot-holes and puddles, which creates lot of inconvenience to motorists plying on it. As the road has not been blacktopped, huge columns of dust blow whenever a vehicles passes by, thereby creating an ugly situation.
Travelling through this road during night hours is a nightmare for people of this area. The road has been in this condition for a pretty long time with nobody bothered to black-top it. The authorities are once again requested to get this road blacktopped at the earliest for the sake of residents living in this part of the UT.
During rainy season, the pot holes in the middle of the road gets filled with water, thereby creating a lot of inconvenience for the daily commuters.
Many times the same issue has been brought under the kind attention and consideration of the concerned authorities through print media, but nothing has been done or even any action initiated from their side. As this road connects the Border road also and the same connects the adjoining with Ring Road therefore, holds a significant importance.
The concerned authorities are therefore requested to take urgent steps to solve this long withstanding demand of the residents as well as the daily commuters.
The commuters passing by the road face many hardships as there are not even street-lights installed on the same route via Bhagwati Nagar-Belicharan-Raipur- Mandal Phallian and the deplorable condition of the same road proves to be life-risking.
It may be mentioned here that black-topping of the Nikki Tawi bridge (Sure Chak) has been done but the work seems to be of Sub-standard nature as one showers of rain is sufficient to damage it again. Besides, blacktopping of the left over road be expedited so that the motorists may not suffer further.
Gourav Sharma
Mandal