Rejuvenation of pond in Sainik Colony
JMC has incurred huge expenditure during the last 2-3 years for rejuvenation of ponds in Jammu district. I am enclosing a photograph of a pond like water body existing near railway track (Near plot number 544 F Sainik Colony Jammu). It would be seen from the photo that this place is also being used as malba dumping station creating nuisance in the surrounding area.
If the above pond is also rejuvenated, the residents of nearby area would be obliged. Moreover, it will ensure that no mulba or other garbage is dumped at this place. Since the kacha road constructed near this pond is also used as shortcut route for the people residing in Sainik Colony, Greater Kailash, Kaluchak resulting saving of time and fuel, as such if this place is developed it would be beneficial to the civil society. Thus it is requested that JMC/ PWD may carryout the spot inspection of this pond to enable them to initiate estimates for rejuvenation of this pond besides taking measures to restrict the people not to use this place as a dumping site.
SS Jamwal,
Sainik Colony, Jammu
Keep Sgr-Muzaffarabad road open
The Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, a crucial link for the people of border town Uri in north Kashmir, has been facing frequent closures near the Nand Singh (NS) Bridge due to landslides triggered by heavy rains. It gets closed thrice in a week now. The ongoing double-laning work on the Baramulla-Uri highway by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has exacerbated the issue, making travel increasingly difficult for locals and commuters alike.
Since last one month, this strategic road has been closing repeatedly, cutting off Uri from the rest of Kashmir. The portion near N S Bridge has become particularly troublesome, as continuous landslides disrupt movement and leave travellers stranded for hours. The unplanned execution of the widening project has further aggravated the problem, with locals pointing out that BRO should carry out the work in sections rather than digging up the entire stretch at once.
The lack of protective walls along the vulnerable portions of the road is adding to the woes. Without proper reinforcement, landslides are becoming a daily occurrence, making the situation reminiscent of the infamous Srinagar-Jammu national highway, which also suffers from frequent closures and would remain closed for days. It seems that Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road in Uri is becoming another Srinagar-Jammu national highway. Locals argue that men and machinery should be stationed near the landslide-prone areas to ensure the quick reopening of the road whenever a blockade occurs. Among those most affected are students and patients who struggle to reach their destinations on time. The unreliable connectivity not only hampers daily life but also poses a significant risk in medical emergencies. The authorities need to address these concerns urgently to prevent further disruptions and ensure safe and smooth passage for commuters on this critical route.
Uri, a town surrounded by the Line of Control (LoC) on three sides, has previously hosted cross-LoC trade and a peace bus service along the same route. This crucial road, connected by the N S Bridge, links the rest of Kashmir with the other parts of the valley. More than 35 villages fall on both sides of the bridge. As the double-laning project continues, it is imperative for BRO to implement measures that minimize the hardship faced by commuters. Until then, the residents of Uri will remain at the mercy of unpredictable road closures, navigating a path fraught with uncertainty and inconvenience.
Adrees Bukhtiyar
Uri
Rising threat of stray dogs in Kishtwar
Stray dogs have become a significant threat to the residents of Kishtwar, creating a sense of fear and panic in the community. School-going children are particularly vulnerable, as they are often chased by these dogs, forcing parents to accompany them to school for their safety. Similarly, elderly residents feel unsafe venturing outside due to the increasing number of stray dogs in the area. The situation has worsened to the extent that stray dogs have attacked and killed several cattle in the adjoining villages of Kishtwar. The fear of these dogs has made it difficult for people to step out of their homes, especially during the early morning and evening hours. The municipal authorities of Kishtwar must take immediate and effective measures to control the growing menace of stray dogs to ensure the safety of the residents. I urge the concerned authorities to address this issue at the earliest to prevent further incidents.
Kritika Singh Thakur
Law Student
University of Jammu
Redress problems of Pandit Mohalla Gangyal
I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the pathetic condition of Pandit Mahalla Ward No 56. The residents of this locality are facing severe hardships due to the lack of basic amenities such as streetlights, drainage, and proper roads. Firstly, the absence of streetlights has made the area unsafe, especially at night. People fear stepping out after dark due to the risk of accidents and increasing cases of theft. Women and elderly residents feel particularly vulnerable. Secondly, the lack of a proper drainage system results in waterlogging, especially during the rainy season. Stagnant water leads to the breeding of mosquitoes, causing health hazards such as dengue and malaria. The foul smell from open drains makes living miserable. As such it is requested to the JMC authorities to visit the area and take on the spot assessment of the situation.
Hema Soni
Ward No. 56
Pandit Mohalla, Gangyal
Construct nallah at Himmat Colony
A reminder is being issued that construction work on a nallah commenced three months ago at Himmat Colony, located behind Revenue Complex Gole Gujral, Jammu . This milestone marked the culmination of four years of tireless efforts by the residents of the Colony. Unfortunately, the existing water pipes, which lie in the path of the nallah have become an obstacle, hindering the construction of the nallah. Obstacles are natural part of any endeavor, but surrender is never option ; one must preserve to the end.
Rather than devising a permanent solution to construct the nallah and provide a proper outlet for the stagnant water in the drains at Himmat Colony, which has been accumulating for four years, entering homes, emitting a foul odor, and posing a significant threat of spreading life – threatening diseases, the concerned authorities are surprisingly considering surrendering the tender. This decision would place the residents of the affected area at grave risk.
On behalf of the residents of Himmat Colony, Gole Gujral Jammu , I strongly appeal to LG of J & K UT, Manoj Sinha, to direct the concerned authorities to resolve the issue of the nallah construction and stagnant water in our Colony. This is a grave concern that has been affecting us for far too long , and we urge you to take immediate action to address it.
We are confident that with your intervention, this issue can be resolved positively, and we can live in a cleaner and healthier environment.
P L Parihar
Gole Gujral, Jammu
Plea to JMC
I would like to approach Municipal authorities once again for the construction of drainage in our residential area i.e. Lane No 7, Dogra Nagar (Lower Durga Nagar) Sub-Lane No.3. As the summer season has started picking up and mosquitoes and insects started breeding and the diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya alike started approaching humans I am once again forced to take this route and say my voice to the ears of concerned ward president as well as municipal officials to visit our Lane No 7, Sub-Lane 3 of Dogra Nagar and assess the present condition of the residents. We are reading in news papers daily regarding the starting of construction works of drains and lanes, construction of roads and so on, but it looks like befooling the people and only getting the media hype when we look at our condition in which we are still living since from the last so many years. We have approached so many times through this column and put our voice before the concerned ward president and municipal area officials. So this time again we hope for the best.
Nikhilesh Arora and other residents of
Lane No. 7 (Sub-Lane 3) Dogra NagarS