Mohd Irfan
The much-celebrated Swachh Bharat Abhiyan appears to have lost its significance in Ward No. 36, Lakkad Mandi, where an uncovered open drain and persistent garbage dumping near Chisty Manzil stand as glaring examples of neglect by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC).
Despite repeated complaints and calls for action by the residents, the authorities have failed to address this long-standing issue, leaving the inhabitants disheartened and agitated.
The uncovered drain outside Chishti Manzil has been a source of anguish for the residents for over 15 years. Despite bringing it to the notice of JMC on multiple occasions, the drain remains exposed, posing a serious health hazard. Residents express frustration at what they describe as “sheer negligence and an apathetic attitude” from those in power.
“Why has this drain been ignored for so long? Would the authorities have acted differently if this drain were outside the residence of an influential person or a VVIP?” questioned one of the affected residents. This sentiment resonates across the community, which feels betrayed by the elected representatives and municipal officials who have consistently failed to resolve the issue.
The inaction starkly contradicts the ethos of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a campaign aimed at achieving cleanliness and sanitation across the nation. The failure to cover the open drain outside Chishti Manzil, when the rest of the drains in Lakkad Mandi have been addressed, raises serious questions about the commitment of the authorities to the campaign’s goals.
“It’s disheartening to see how selective the authorities have been. Are the residents of Chishti Manzil not part of Lakkad Mandi? Why have their grievances been sidelined for so long?” asked another resident. adding to the woes, a garbage dumping site has developed near the same location, compounding the problems for the inhabitants.
The stench from the garbage and the unhygienic conditions have made daily life unbearable for the residents. Complaints about the health risks, including the spread of diseases, have fallen on deaf ears.
“The sooner the authorities act, the better it will be for the residents. This negligence must end, and our basic right to a clean and safe environment must be restored,” urged a resident.
The situation in Ward No. 36 highlights the gap between the promises of cleanliness and the reality on the ground. It’s high time for the authorities to wake up from their slumber and take swift action to bring relief to the aggrieved residents of Lakkad Mandi.
