JAMMU, Jun 12: Former Minister Raman Bhalla on Thursday expressed serious concern over the delayed execution of a nearly ₹2-crore drainage and flood protection project in Gangyal, warning that residents of Ward No. 56 could face severe flooding during the upcoming monsoon season if immediate action is not taken.
The concern comes in the wake of Thursday’s rainfall, which once again exposed the area’s vulnerability to waterlogging. Residents of Sector-1, Sector-3 and Sector-4 in Gangyal reported overflowing drains and accumulation of rainwater, raising fears of flooding and damage to residential properties. Locals recalled previous monsoon seasons when heavy rainfall caused extensive waterlogging, property losses and hardships for hundreds of families.
A large number of residents voiced strong resentment over the delay in the implementation of the sanctioned drainage improvement and flood mitigation project, which was approved to strengthen the drainage network in Sectors 1, 2, 3 and 4 and provide permanent relief from recurring flooding. Despite approvals and public assurances, work on the project has yet to begin.
Accompanied by former Jammu Municipal Corporation Chairman Satish Sharma, Bhalla visited the affected area and interacted with local residents to assess the situation. He listened to grievances regarding inadequate drainage infrastructure, repeated flooding threats and the failure to commence the sanctioned work.
During the visit, Bhalla spoke to the Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner over the telephone and urged immediate commencement of the project. He said the administration cannot afford complacency when the safety of citizens and their properties is at stake.
Terming the delay as “highly unfortunate and unacceptable,” Bhalla said Gangyal has suffered from waterlogging and flash flood threats for years due to inadequate drainage infrastructure and administrative inaction. He added that the situation reflects broader civic challenges faced by people across Jammu and Kashmir, including poor roads, erratic water supply, power outages, sanitation issues and delays in development projects.
Bhalla stressed the need for better urban planning and disaster preparedness, stating that preventive measures are always more effective than dealing with losses after a disaster occurs. He warned that any damage caused by flooding due to delays in the project would be the responsibility of the concerned authorities.
The JMC Commissioner reportedly assured that work on the drainage project would begin within the next one to two days. While residents welcomed the assurance, they said they would closely monitor the progress and demanded timely completion of the project before the onset of heavy monsoon rains.