Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 24: MLA Bahu constituency, Ch. Vikram Randhawa along with MLA Jammu South, Dr. Narinder Singh visited the Rani Bagh Shamshan Ghat, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Cantonment Board Jammu, to take stock of its deteriorating condition and listen to the grievances of the local residents.
They were accompanied by CEO Cantonment Board Jammu Amit Kumar Rao Maaney, Cantonment Board Member Bharat Bhushan, JE Rakesh Kumar, and prominent community members including Pitamber Sharma, Avtar Singh, Ram Lal, Ashok Khajuria, Harpal Singh, Brijesh Rana, Saadhu Ram, Govind Sharma, Dalair Singh, among others.
During the visit, both MLAs observed the extremely poor and unhygienic condition of the Shamshan Ghat – with broken platforms, without water taps, without proper lighting, and an overall absence of maintenance. The community members also raised concerns about the lack of seating, shelter, and boundary walls, which has been causing distress to grieving families during last rites.
Vikram Randhawa expressed his displeasure and instructed the CEO of the Cantonment Board to take immediate and concrete action to renovate and upgrade the cremation ground. He directed that basic amenities such as proper sheds, seating arrangements, clean water, lighting, and waste management facilities be ensured at the earliest.
He stated, “A cremation ground is a place of final rites and it must reflect dignity, respect and cleanliness. It is shameful to see such neglect. We will ensure that immediate action is taken, and adequate funds are allocated for its improvement.”
“It is deeply unfortunate that such a sacred and essential space has been left in neglect. Being under the Cantonment Board, it is their responsibility to ensure proper upkeep. We will not allow such civic negligence to continue,” said MLA Randhawa.
MLA Dr. Narinder Singh also stressed on the importance of maintaining public utility places with dignity and cleanliness and assured local residents of his full support in pushing the matter with higher authorities.
The residents of the area expressed their appreciation for the timely visit and proactive stance taken by both MLAs, and urged the Cantonment Board to act swiftly in restoring the Shamshan Ghat to a dignified and usable condition.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
