| News Details |
| Monsoon threat looms large in Gangyal; Bhalla | | slams administrative apathy over delayed ₹2-crore drainage project |
Jammu, June 12 (Scoop News)-With the monsoon season fast approaching, serious concerns have resurfaced among residents of Gangyal over the delayed execution of a crucial drainage and flood protection project, prompting former Minister Raman Bhalla to launch a scathing attack on the administration for its failure to address pressing civic issues affecting people across Jammu and Kashmir.
Thursday's rainfall once again triggered panic among residents of Sector-1, Sector-3 and Sector-4 of Ward No. 56, Gangyal, as overflowing drains and water accumulation raised fears of flooding and water entering residential houses. Residents said that even a short spell of rain was enough to expose the vulnerability of the area and revive memories of previous years when heavy rainfall caused extensive waterlogging, property damage and immense hardship.
Expressing deep concern, a large number of locals gathered in the area and voiced strong resentment over the delay in the implementation of a drainage improvement and flood mitigation project worth nearly ₹2 crore. The project was sanctioned to strengthen the drainage network in Sectors 1, 2, 3 and 4 and provide permanent relief from recurring flooding during the monsoon season. However, despite administrative approvals and public commitments, work has yet to commence on the ground.
Residents alleged that the contractor entrusted with the project has not initiated work at the designated site and is reportedly engaged elsewhere, raising questions about accountability and the seriousness with which public safety concerns are being treated. They warned that any further delay could prove disastrous if heavy rains lash the region in the coming weeks.
Responding to public concerns, former Minister Raman Bhalla, accompanied by former JMC Chairman Satish Sharma, visited the area and interacted extensively with residents. Bhalla took stock of the situation firsthand and listened to grievances regarding the repeated flooding threat, poor drainage infrastructure and delayed execution of sanctioned works.
During the visit, Bhalla spoke with the Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), over the telephone and strongly pressed for the immediate commencement of the drainage project. He emphasized that the administration cannot afford to remain complacent when the lives and property of citizens are at stake.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhalla said that Gangyal has been facing the menace of waterlogging and flash floods for years due to inadequate drainage infrastructure and lack of timely intervention by concerned departments. He termed the delay in starting the sanctioned project as "highly unfortunate, irresponsible and unacceptable," particularly when the monsoon is at the doorstep.
Bhalla further stated that the situation in Gangyal reflects a broader pattern of civic neglect and administrative inefficiency being witnessed in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out that people across the Union Territory continue to struggle with damaged roads, inadequate drainage systems, erratic water supply, power outages, poor sanitation and delayed execution of development projects despite repeated assurances from the government.
He said urban local bodies and development agencies must prioritize essential infrastructure projects instead of allowing sanctioned works to remain stuck in procedural delays. "Citizens are not demanding luxuries; they are seeking basic civic amenities and protection from avoidable disasters. The administration must act before situations spiral out of control," Bhalla remarked.
Highlighting the need for improved urban planning, Bhalla said that recurring flooding in residential colonies indicates serious shortcomings in drainage management and disaster preparedness. He stressed that preventive measures are always more effective and economical than dealing with losses after a disaster strikes.
The former minister warned that if flooding causes any damage to life or property due to the failure to start the sanctioned project on time, the responsibility would squarely rest with the concerned department and officials. He urged authorities to ensure strict monitoring of contractors and timely completion of all public works, particularly those related to public safety.
Bhalla also called upon the government to conduct a comprehensive review of flood-prone localities across Jammu and Kashmir and prepare a robust monsoon preparedness plan to safeguard vulnerable areas. He stressed that recurring civic problems require long-term solutions rather than temporary measures.
The JMC Commissioner reportedly assured the visiting leaders that work on the project would commence within the next one to two days. However, residents expressed cautious optimism and maintained that they would closely monitor the situation. They warned that if the project does not begin immediately, they may be compelled to launch protests to protect their interests and ensure accountability.
Assuring residents of his full support, Bhalla said he would continue to raise their concerns at every appropriate forum and stand firmly with the people in their struggle for better civic infrastructure and public safety.
A large number of local residents and community representatives were present during the visit and interaction.
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