MC Commissioner visits flood-hit areas of Jammu

In view of the hardships faced by people due to the recent floods, Dr Devansh Yadav, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), on Tuesday conducted a tour of Gangyal-Babliana and its surrounding areas.

The visit was aimed at assessing the condition of the major nullah passing through the area, which has been identified as one of the major causes of recurring waterlogging in the locality. During the inspection, Yadav personally examined the drain alignment, interacted with officials on-site, and listened to grievances raised by local residents.

People informed the Commissioner that every year during the rains, the drain overflows and water enters more than 200 houses, leading to extensive damage to household property and creating severe inconvenience for families.

They explained that the low height of the drain wall and unauthorised encroachments along its banks are the primary reasons for flooding. Residents said that, during heavy rain, several feet of water enter residential areas through the narrow streets, forcing families to evacuate their homes, bringing normal life to a complete halt. Elderly citizens and school-going children, in particular, face immense hardship during such situations.

After listening to the concerns of the people, Yadav assured them that the JMC is finding a permanent solution to this long-pending issue. He instructed the engineering staff concerned to expedite the demarcation of the drain so that its boundaries could be clearly defined. Work on widening and strengthening the walls would be taken up at the earliest. He stressed that this task must be carried out without delay so that residents face no damage and distress in the next monsoon. The Commissioner also urged the resident to voluntarily remove encroachments along the drain, reminding them that such structures not only obstruct cleaning operations but also directly contribute to flooding.