Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Aug 21: With the Public Works Department (PWD) totally sleeping over the issue, the Jammu roads have become death traps as the condition of many roads in the main city, its suburbs, and rural areas has totally deteriorated.
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The situation also took a critical turn during this Monsoon when, at most places, the heavy rains caused major damage to roads by eroding their surface and washing away major portions.
The problem is not confined to a single road in the city or rural belt, but almost all roads are in the worst condition as heavy rains created deep ditches on metalled roads and also eroded some portions of them.
The busy New Plot-Kot Bhalwal road depicts the worst picture, as this road has been damaged at various places right from Ambphalla to Kot Bhalwal and ahead. It has developed ditches in the centre of the road at various places, causing traffic hazards as well as road mishaps.
This road is totally damaged near Thather, and people face the worst kind of problem during the rains as the entire strip of road gets converted into a Nallah, resulting in huge traffic jams. The commuters walking over the road have to wade through two feet of deep water.
The condition of the Kot-Purkhoo Link road is also no better. The residents of the area said that the failure of authorities to construct a culvert over a Nallah near the cremation ground has been the main problem, as rainwater overflowing on this road has totally damaged it.
The residents said that they have made umpteen pleas to the authorities to construct a culvert on the road, but to no avail, with the result that the road has become a death trap.
The same is the condition of Jewel-TalabTillo road, Gole Gujral road, Marh-Gajansoo and Gho Manhasa road. All these roads, which were already in totally bad condition, have been further damaged by recent rains, developing deep ditches and cracks on surfaces.
The Gho Manhasa road is totally damaged from Pouni Chak to Sari and Partod to Gho Manhasa. Besides, the road from Lowri Chak to Gajansoo-Marh is also in bad condition.
The Bantalab-Akhnoor link road, which was also in bad condition, has been further damaged due to recent heavy rains. At some places, the rainwater in spate eroded a portion of the drain, creating problems for people. This road has become accident-prone as, right from Bantalab to Barnai bridge, it is damaged at various places.
Likewise, the condition of three roads-one leading from Rajouri Lines to Akalpur, another from Muthi to Akalpur, and a third from Muthi Camp to Akalpur-are also totally damaged, causing problems for people driving their four-wheelers, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers. All these roads have become accident-prone, and any small mistake by the driver can lead to a fatal accident.
The Bohri-Gho Manhasa road is totally damaged from Bohri Chowk to Anand Nagar market, with deep ditches and eroded surfaces at various places. Though no attention was paid earlier to renovate this road, it suffered further damage during ongoing monsoon rains.
Subash Nagar-Paloura road is also in bad condition at various places, and near Pandoka Colony, about 300 meters of road is totally damaged.
The Bantalab-Rajinder Nagar road and another road leading to SwaranVihar are also damaged at various places, having deep ditches and eroded surfaces.
The people attributed the main cause for the overflowing of rainwater on various roads on the outskirts of Jammu city to encroachment and rapid construction over the khads and ponds. When the traditional passage of water was blocked with the construction of houses and other structures, the rainwater changed its course and flowed onto roads, damaging them, said Sham Lal, a resident of Kote Bhalwal.
He warned if the encroachment of khads and ponds is not removed and water allowed to flow through its natural passage, there can be a big catastrophe in Jammu some day.
The Government needs to remove encroachments from khads and ponds and free the water bodies from the land grabbers so that the rainwater gets its natural passage to flow and does not cause damage to roads and lanes. Moreover, the authorities should also construct a drainage system along the roads for the flow of rainwater so that it does not get accumulated on roads and create cesspools of water there.
When contacted, Chief Engineer, PWD Jammu, Rajesh Gupta, told Excelsior that all the damaged roads have already been identified by the Department and a proposal has been submitted to the Government for approval and sanction of funds. After the approval is granted, the work on the renovation of roads will be taken up in hand, he added.
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