Demands Accountability for Neglected PWD Premises
JAMMU, Aug 14: Residents of the area behind Amar Singh Club, Bikram Chowk, are facing serious inconvenience due to persistent filth, waterlogging and poor maintenance around the PWD Central Store and other PWD offices. A deputation of local residents met BJP leader and BJP District Ramban Incharge Rajeev Charak and apprised him of the serious problems being faced by the people.
The residents informed Charak that the rear portion of the premises has remained neglected for a long time, with unwanted bushes, weeds, wild vegetation and grass growing extensively, while stagnant water has accumulated at several places. The stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, while the foul smell emanating from the accumulated waste and water is causing considerable inconvenience to residents and passersby.
Rajeev Charak said that such unhygienic and neglected conditions around government offices and public places are totally unacceptable. He pointed out that during the monsoon season, stagnant water can facilitate mosquito breeding and may adversely affect public health.
Taking up the matter immediately, Charak sent a WhatsApp communication to Jammu Health Officer Dr. Shahid Hussain and also spoke to him over the telephone, apprising him of the ground situation. He urged the Health Officer to coordinate with the concerned department and ensure immediate cleaning and proper drainage of the affected area.
Charak also brought the matter to the notice of Chief Engineer, PWD, Er. Rajesh Agastam; Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shri Diwas Yadav; and Joint Commissioner Shri Kulbhushan Khajuria, through written communications and WhatsApp messages, seeking immediate cleaning of the premises, removal of unwanted bushes and wild grass, clearance of stagnant water, and regular maintenance of sanitation in the area.
Charak stressed that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, should not remain confined to campaigns and slogans but must be visibly implemented at government institutions and public places as well. He said that if government premises themselves remain surrounded by garbage, stagnant water and foul smell, it defeats the very spirit of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
He urged the District Administration to constitute a special inspection and monitoring team under the Swachh Bharat Mission to regularly inspect government offices and their premises across Jammu city and ensure proper sanitation. Wherever negligence is found at the departmental level, accountability of the concerned officials must be fixed and appropriate action taken.
Charak further emphasized that while undertaking cleanliness drives in government premises, trees and green areas must be protected. Proper coordination and supervision should be ensured so that removal of weeds and unwanted vegetation is carried out without causing unnecessary damage to the environment.
He said that providing citizens with a clean, safe and healthy environment is a fundamental responsibility of the administration and that the public should not be made to suffer because of negligence on the part of government departments.
Rajeev Charak urged the concerned authorities to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and priority, take immediate action on the ground and provide relief to the residents without any further delay. He stressed that cleanliness and drainage are not merely matters of appearance but are directly linked to public health, sanitation and the safety of citizens.