Mohd Irfan
Simmering discontent and growing frustration define the mood in Ward 36 (Lakkad Mandi) and Ward 60 (Ramzanpura) of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) as residents grapple with longstanding civic issues that remain unaddressed. From open drains spewing foul odors to neglected sanitation, inhabitants of these wards are questioning the JMC’s commitment to their welfare.
Ward 36: Lakkad Mandi’s Open Drain Woes
Residents of Ward 36, Lakkad Mandi, have expressed deep frustration over an open drain near Chisty Manzil that has been a persistent health hazard for more than a decade. Despite repeated complaints and assurances from the JMC, no action has been taken to cover the drain.
“Foul smells from the open drain make our lives miserable, and we are tired of false promises. We hope the new JMC Commissioner, known for his proactive approach, will finally address our plight,” said Tousiff Malik, a resident of Lakkad Mandi.
The residents appealed to the Commissioner to prioritize the issue, emphasizing that covering the drain would not only relieve them but also align with the Smart City project under which drains in other wards have been upgraded.
Ward 60: Ramzanpura’s Sanitation and Lighting Crisis
Meanwhile, residents of Ward 60, Ramzanpura, are grappling with chronic sanitation neglect. They allege that street cleaning is rare and inconsistent, leaving roads dusty and homes vulnerable to respiratory issues.
“Sanitation here is almost nonexistent. Sweepers only appear during festivals, and we are left to fend for ourselves the rest of the time,” lamented a local resident. Adding to their woes, defunct streetlights make navigating the area in the evening dangerous, especially for women and children.
The residents raised questions about the disparity in services, pointing out that sanitation is regular in adjacent wards but absent in Ramzanpura. They urged the JMC to deploy permanent sweepers and repair streetlights without further delay.
Residents Appeal for Action
Both wards have united in their appeal to the JMC Commissioner to address these issues promptly. “We are not asking for luxuries; we are demanding basic amenities like sanitation, covered drains, and functional streetlights,” said one frustrated resident.
With winter setting in and nights growing longer, the residents emphasized the urgency of resolving these issues to prevent further hardships. They hope that the Commissioner’s proactive reputation will translate into action that brings tangible relief to their neglected neighborhoods.
“Sooner the JMC Commissioner acts, the better it would be for the inhabitants of these wards,” said another resident, voicing the collective sentiment of the communities.
