Jammu MC initiates desilting of nullahs ahead of rains

The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has launched a comprehensive de-silting action plan to clean storm-water drains and ‘nullahs’ across all 75 wards in preparation for the upcoming monsoon.

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The initiative is aimed at preventing flash floods and waterlogging that affects residents during heavy rain. The first phase of the de-silting drive began on March 15 and will continue till June 20. This timeframe ensures that potential damage from the season’s first rainfall is minimised.

“Special focus is being placed on vulnerable and low-lying areas throughout the Jammu region, which are particularly prone to flooding due to the accumulation of silt and solid waste in ‘nullahs’ that lack proper design, shape and slope,” an official spokesperson said.

There are over 140 ‘nullahs’ and 105 deep drains in JMC Zones 1, 2, and 3, requiring regular cleaning throughout the year. These ‘nullahs’ extend up to 250 km in length, while the deep drains cover an additional 600 km.

Localities such as Krishna Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Bhagwati Nagar, Chand Nagar, Kabir Nagar, Govind Nagar, Vishal Nagar, Kabir Colony, Rajinder Nagar, Canal Road, Subhash Nagar, Rampura, Jeevan Nagar, Nai Basti, Nanak Nagar, Preet Nagar and Trikuta Nagar are being given top priority due to their susceptibility to blockages and overflow during heavy rainfall.

“To execute this operation effectively, JMC has mobilised men and machinery including excavators, backhoe loaders, small and large tippers and a team of 30 labourers. De-silting work is progressing on schedule and is being carried out on a war footing. A dedicated supervisor is deployed at each site to oversee day-to-day activities, ensuring quality and timely completion. Chief Transport Officers (CTOs) and Transport Officers (TOs), under the supervision of the Joint Commissioner (Health & Sanitation), are actively monitoring the overall progress,” the spokesperson said.

De-silting work has already been completed in many key and vulnerable areas, including Paloura, AG Office, Shakti Nagar, Ambika Vihar in Kabir Colony, Akalpur, Jewel Rotary, Nawabad police station, Valmiki Nagar, Gandhi Nagar (both lower and upper streams), Prof Chaman Lal Lane (lower and upper streams), 2nd Extension Gandhi Nagar near Arpit Plaza, Sanjay Nagar to Jeevan Nagar pulley, Gangyal, Channi Rama to JDA Complex in Trikuta Nagar, areas near the Judge House and Sai Palace in Trikuta Nagar as well as Digiana and Nanak Nagar. Additionally, de-silting in the major ‘nullah’ of Sainik Colony is going on at a rapid pace.