Major trade hub bereft of basic facilities

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 13

Transport Nagar, one of the biggest trade and business hubs in the state, has become a symbol of official apathy and neglect.

Despite announcements by successive governments, including the ruling PDP-BJP coalition, to bring in massive transformation in the infrastructure facilities, nothing much has been done to improve the area in the last three years.

A visit to the area, where thousands of trucks load and unloads their goods brought from outside the state and for export purpose, is enough to see the outcome of the hollow promises of the authority.

Even though the state government earns a large sum of tax revenue from business establishments here, Transport Nagar is reeling under the problem of drinking water and erratic power supply. Besides, roads are in a bad condition and sanitation is a casualty. Crime is also rampant in the area.

“Every rainfall adds to our misery. Roads turn into cesspool as water gets accumulated in potholes,” said Jagtar Singh, who runs a courier company.

Besides, dumping of chemicals and motor vehicle oils in unscientific ways is also making the area ideal for cancer, TB and other respiratory diseases. Further, encroachment by Rohingyas and Bangladeshis has added to the problems.

“We have been raising the demand for basic amenities, but to no avail. In 2014, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) made efforts and Rs 70 lakh were released for infrastructure development, but that is not enough,” said Rakesh Gupta, president, CCI, Jammu.

Lack of coordination between the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and the Jammu Municipal Corporation has added to the miseries of businessmen, as both the civic bodies are ignoring the pleas of trade bodies. Rajesh Shavan, vice-chairman, JDA, did not respond despite repeated attempts.