Clear all major nallahs before onset of rainy season: Bhalla

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 24: Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla today asked Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to clear all major nallahs flowing through the city parts before the onset of the rainy season.
Inspecting the civic conditions in the New Bahufort, Qasim Nagar, Rajiv Nagar and Kranti Nagar areas with a JMC team led Commissioner, Kiran Wattal, the Minister directed for clearance of the main nallahs passing through the area within fifteen days.
The Minister suggested for use of small machinery for better cleaning operations, particularly in low laying localities and those with narrow interior lanes.
“Procure small garbage lifting machinery available in the market for improving civic operations”, the Minister asked JMC authorities, adding that use of such equipments would leave little scope of complaints from the residents.
He asked the JMC to explore the possibility of using JCB for lifting and digging out the silt and garbage from the nallahs, including that of Rajiv Nagar to prevent clogging and overflowing of water into the residential areas.
Responding to the demands of locals, the Minister directed for ensuring sufficient civic workers to maintain cleanliness and hygienic conditions in all localities, particularly in low laying areas.
“The low laying areas are more vulnerable to water borne and other infections during summer and rainy season. There is a need to clear all deep drains and Nallahs before the rainy season for smooth flow of water and prevent over flowing which later create immense problem both for the people and the JMC”, the Minister directed.
Bhalla also called for fixing the breaches and crossings and asked the JMC to complete the work within fifteen day time.
Later, the Minister inspected small works including repair of lanes, blacktopping of links and construction of drains in these localities.