‘Pothole Puja’ draws attention to road repairs
JAMMU, Oct 1: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Jammu and Kashmir, has opposed the issuance of more than 200 notices by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to shops and commercial establishments operating in residential areas. The party also raised concern over show-cause notices served to shopkeepers at Narwal Fruit Mandi, seeking land and building documents along with approved building plans.
Shiv Sena J&K President Manish Sahni said traders and shopkeepers should not be made to bear the burden of decades of unplanned urban development and alleged administrative neglect. He said Jammu’s population and commercial activities had expanded considerably over the years, while adequate planned markets and commercial zones had not been developed to meet the growing requirements.
Sahni questioned why action was being initiated against existing businesses after commercial activity had continued for years. Referring to the situation in Narwal Mandi, he asked where the concerned departments and authorities were when the market developed and businesses continued to operate.
“Provide markets and alternative commercial spaces first, and then talk about action,” Sahni said, arguing that traders should not be displaced without proper rehabilitation arrangements.
He also referred to action against shops during road-widening projects in New Plot and Satwari, saying that displacement without rehabilitation or alternative business arrangements would create further difficulties for traders and their families.
Sahni demanded an immediate review of the notices and urged the authorities to provide shopkeepers with adequate time and opportunity to submit documents and explain their position. He further called for the development of alternative markets and commercial spaces before any coercive action is undertaken.
He warned that if action continued without providing alternatives, Shiv Sena (UBT) would launch an agitation in support of the affected traders.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), J&K, said its recent “Pothole Puja” protest had prompted repair work on the concerned road within hours, describing the development as a response to its peaceful demonstration.
Party president Manish Sahni, however, said the repair remained incomplete, alleging that only one pothole had been filled while several deep potholes in the surrounding area continued to pose problems for commuters.
He said the Panama Chowk–Jammu Tawi Railway Station road also remained waterlogged at several points, creating difficulties for motorists and pedestrians.
Sahni urged the administration to undertake comprehensive pothole-filling work on major roads as well as connecting roads across Jammu before Navratri. He stressed the need for timely road repairs to improve commuter safety and ensure that roads remain safe and motorable.