JAMMU: To address the difficulties faced by residents due to recent floods, Commissioner of Municipal Corporation Jammu, Dr. Devansh Yadav, today conducted an extensive inspection of Ward No. 56, Gangyal-Babliana, and its surrounding areas. The visit focused on assessing the local nallah, identified as a key contributor to recurring waterlogging in the area.
During the tour, Dr. Yadav reviewed the drain alignment, consulted with on-site officials, and listened to residents’ grievances. Locals reported that during the rainy season, overflowing drains inundate over 200 houses, causing significant property damage. They highlighted that the drain’s low walls and unauthorized encroachments along its alignment are the main causes of flooding. Narrow streets further exacerbate the situation, making evacuation necessary for families, particularly affecting elderly citizens and schoolchildren.
After hearing residents’ concerns, Dr. Yadav assured that the Municipal Corporation will work toward a permanent solution. He instructed the engineering team to expedite the demarcation of the drain to facilitate its widening and wall-strengthening at the earliest. He emphasized starting ground work promptly to prevent further distress.
The Commissioner appealed to residents for their cooperation, urging them to voluntarily remove encroachments along the drain. He noted that such structures hinder cleaning operations and contribute directly to flooding, stressing that effective drainage management requires joint effort.
In addition to engineering measures, Dr. Yadav directed Health and Sanitation officials to intensify cleanliness drives and anti-waterlogging initiatives in affected areas. He highlighted that proper drainage solutions would significantly enhance the quality of life in Gangyal-Babliana and neighboring localities, reaffirming the Corporation’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.
Dr. Yadav was accompanied by former Deputy Mayor Baldev Singh Billawaria, who assured residents of his full support. Senior officials present included Joint Commissioner (Works) Firdous Ahmed Qazi, Health Officer Dr. Vinod Sharma, Executive Engineer (UEED) Ashwani Khajuria, Executive Engineer Division 5 Yasir Bashir Kichloo, Chief Transport Officer Dharamveer Singh, and others.
