Drain Desilting Done, But Is Jammu Ready for the Monsoon?
Mohd Irfan
As monsoon clouds gather over Jammu, a storm of questions brews on the ground. With memories of waterlogged streets and flooded homes still fresh, citizens are demanding answers.
Has the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) learned from past failures, or will this season bring more misery? In an exclusive interview, The Hidden News confronts JMC Commissioner Rahul Yadav with the concerns that keep Jammuites awake at night.
As both the head of municipal operations and CEO of Jammu Smart City Limited, Yadav stands at the crossroads of tradition and progress. But has his administration done enough to protect the city from nature’s fury?
With claims of completed drain desilting and promises of a ‘smarter’ Jammu, Yadav faces tough questions about preparedness, accountability, and the true state of the city’s infrastructure. As the first raindrops fall, we cut through the official rhetoric to uncover the truth behind Jammu’s monsoon readiness.
Here’s a concise version of the interview with JMC Commissioner Rahul Yadav, focusing on key points:
Q: What steps has JMC taken for drain desilting before monsoon?
A: We completed desilting in April. I urge citizens to avoid throwing debris and polythene in drains, as it causes blockages.
Q: Why does waterlogging still occur after desilting?
A: Several factors contribute:
- Swelling of River Tawi
- Illegal constructions in low-lying areas
- Encroachment of nullahs
- Unplanned colonies built without following the master plan.
These issues reduce water flow capacity, especially from higher to lower elevations.
Q: Are illegal constructions the sole cause of flooding?
A: It’s a major factor, but the absence of a proper master plan is also concerning.
Q: Should these illegal structures be removed?
A: Yes, their removal would significantly reduce flood risks during monsoons.
Q: Can you provide details on desilting expenses and the number of nullahs cleaned?
A: For expenses, please check JMC’s official website. For nullah details, contact our mechanical section. We’ve tackled both major and minor nullahs across Jammu.
Q: What challenges do you face during desilting?
A: Illegal constructions pose significant obstacles. Even after cleaning, problems persist downstream due to encroachments and reduced nullah widths.