‘Smart’ only in name, Jammu suffers from poor civic amenities

THE dream of transforming Jammu into a ‘smart city’ was sold with much fanfare years ago, promising smooth roads, efficient traffic management, 24/7 water supply and modern infrastructure.

However, the ‘smart’ tag now feels more like an unfulfilled promise. Residents continue to face daily hardships — from heavy traffic jams and water-logged roads during the monsoon to long waits for water supply, especially during the scorching summer months.

Battered internal roads and frequent power cuts are among the many reasons why locals believe Jammu remains far from being ‘smart’.

Wide footpaths built under the Smart City project have ironically worsened traffic problems, even in some of the city’s poshest areas. A glaring example is Apsara Road — a commercial hub — where footpaths on both sides have been widened for beautification, but no provisions have been made for visitor parking.

Parking scarcity, already a longstanding issue in Jammu, is worsening with the rising number of vehicles. Narrow roads often turn into parking lots by evening, disrupting traffic flow. Meanwhile, traffic police remain conspicuously absent from the scene.

Despite criticism, the administration has failed to install smart traffic lights — a move that could have eased congestion to some extent. The growing nuisance of beggars at traffic signals has also remained unaddressed, with action against beggary limited to awareness campaigns.

However, some parts of the city that previously wore a shabby look have benefitted from the Smart City beautification drive. But residents argue that beautification alone does not compensate for the lack of basic amenities.

Special poles with LED lights were installed in many localities under the project. However, most of these lights are now non-functional or have developed snags. Compounding the issue, a recent rise in copper theft from transformers has left several areas in darkness, with police yet to arrest those responsible.

Residents in many areas report receiving water supply only once every three days — and that too for less than an hour. Despite the administration’s assurances of water tankers, many complain they are unable to register for one through the official portal. Ironically, while pipes run dry, the issue of waterlogging on roads remains unresolved.

Even freshly laid blacktop rarely survives a full season. Potholes begin appearing within weeks, turning every drive into a bone-rattling ordeal.

Earlier this year, during the March Assembly session, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that Rs 815.37 crore had been spent on projects under the Jammu Smart City initiative.

Yet, for many residents, the ground reality suggests otherwise — a city still grappling with the basics, far from the promises of a ‘smart’ future.