Action Please

Resolve GDC Moungri issue
The then popular Govt. in J&K by cabinet order No. 203/12/2017 dated 23.10.2017 accorded sanction to permanent establishment of 06 New GDCs in uncovered areas of Jammu Division and those were Chenani, Moungri, Vijaypur, Dongi, Ramkote and Dudu-Basantgarh. All the GDCs got established at the selected places except GDC Moungri. Only this one, for unknown reasons, remained singled out and un-established. The ruling elite/administrative machinery of those days did glaring injustice with the backward, far flung and mountainous Tehsil Moungri particularly its students community. The long delays committed in its establishment made the GDC Moungri a complex issue. An undesirable tug of war viz legal battle, started between the two hilly tehsils viz tehsil Moungri and neighbouring Tehsil Panchari, over the establishment of GDC Moungri. The authorities did not act in time. Instead a situation was created that caused unnecessary legal dispute and prolonged uncertainty about the establishment of the college.
It is pertinent to recount here that during his last tenure as Chief Minister of J&K State Jb. Omar Abdullah had formulated a rule that for the establishment of a new GDC local MLA would recommend and put forth the requirement of a GDC in his/her Assembly segment and latter the cabinet would accord sanction. Ajay Nanda Local MLA Reasi recommended and put forth the long pending, pressing the most genuine demand of GDC Moungri. On the other side Panchari was in Chenani Assembly constituency. The GDC recommended by MLA Chenani got sanctioned and established at Chenani. But, unfortunately, the sanctioned GDC Moungri is still nowhere in sight. It has become a woeful tale. The People are struggling tirelessly to this effect. Is there any esteemed quarter to do the similar Justice with Moungri as has now been done by the Hon’ble High Court of J&K and Ladakh with Pahalgam Constituency? The establishment of the sanctioned GDC Moungri at Moungri is the Moungri people right.
Swatantra Dev Kotwal
Distt Court, Udhampur, J&K
Redress mounting traffic chaos in Jammu city
I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the ever-worsening traffic situation in Jammu city. Over the past few years, traffic congestion has assumed alarming proportions, turning daily commuting into a nightmare for residents.
Narrow roads, unchecked encroachments, haphazard parking, and the ever-increasing number of vehicles have completely choked major arteries of the city such as Gandhi Nagar, Jewel Chowk, Canal Road, and Talab Tillo. Peak hours witness interminable traffic snarls, causing immense inconvenience to office-goers, students, patients, and emergency services alike. Precious fuel and productive hours are wasted daily, adding to pollution and public frustration.
What compounds the problem further is the inadequate presence of traffic personnel at crucial junctions and the poor enforcement of traffic rules. Reckless driving, wrong-side movement, and illegal parking have become the norm rather than the exception.
It is high time that the authorities adopt a comprehensive traffic management plan. Widening of roads, construction of flyovers, proper parking facilities, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and public awareness campaigns are the need of the hour. I hope this issue will receive urgent attention before the situation slips completely out of control.
Rakesh Manhas
Jammu
Repair Devika Temple Staircase
I wish to draw the urgent attention of the District Administration, Udhampur, towards the highly dilapidated condition of the historic staircase leading to the Devika Temple and the cremation ghat in Udhampur city.
The Devika Temple, revered for its religious and historical significance, attracts thousands of devotees and visitors daily. The staircase in question serves as a vital link connecting the city to important places such as the Devika Temple, Sai Temple, Ram Temple, Mangu Ki Bawli, Government Degree College Udhampur, and the cremation ghat. Unfortunately, the present condition of this staircase is extremely poor and poses a serious risk to public safety.
Broken steps, loose stones, uneven surfaces, and lack of proper railings make the passage hazardous, especially for elderly devotees, women, children, and patients. During the rainy season, the situation worsens further, increasing the chances of slips and accidents. Despite its heavy daily usage and religious importance, the staircase has remained neglected for years. It is deeply unfortunate that a structure of such historical and cultural value has been allowed to deteriorate to this extent. Timely repair and renovation of the staircase, along with proper lighting, drainage, and safety railings, will not only prevent mishaps but also preserve the heritage of the city. I sincerely hope that the concerned authorities will take immediate cognizance of this issue and initiate restoration work at the earliest in the larger public interest.
K. Kumar
Udhampur
Appeal to Project Director
An appeal to the Project Director National Highways for construction of bye lanes/ underpasses along the ongoing construction of Expressway and extension of National Highways in village Jagti (NEAR IIT & IIM) Distt. Jammu . I may invite your kind attention to my submission that the construction of Expressway and extension of National Highway is going on in full swing these days. In the said road stretch from IIT to Chibba/Karli morh there are five link roads joining the national Highway which are frequently used by the local population. It looks that no proper bye-lane provision has been kept for providing safeguard for all the said local link road users. The matter was also reported to the local administration earlier but no action has been taken to resolve the said issue till today .It is important to mention here that a number of persons have lost their lives and scores of others have injured during several fatal accidents in the said stretch of this road in absence of any provision of underpass/bye-lane since opening of this bye-pass road. It is still more a serious matter when there is no provision kept for any safety of the local population at all the joining points of said link roads in the said stretch of national highway.
It is, therefore, requested the provisions for construction of bye lanes or under pass for the safety of local population be kept at all the link roads joining points with the NH road in the said stretch of National Highway. An early and prompt action is solicited from the Project Director NH in the interest of public safety without any little chance of failure on the part of executing agencies.
Dhian Singh
Jagti Tehsil Nagrota, Jammu