SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
JAMMU, jULY 12
The ongoing development work in the Raghunath Bazaar in Jammu, part of the ambitious Smart City project, is proceeding at a breakneck pace. However, this surge in infrastructural activity has come with a glaring oversight: the streets are littered with debris, causing significant inconvenience to traders, residents and commuters alike.
Despite the swift pace of the development, which includes various projects along the road, the authorities have failed to address the basic issue of clearing the rubble left behind from road construction. This negligence is particularly evident near the famous Raghunath Temple, where debris has been indiscriminately dumped on the roads, obstructing the movement of people and vehicles.
The situation at City Chowk is equally dire. Here, the road leading to Raghunath Bazaar is being equipped with a new entrance gate, part of the beautification and modernization efforts. However, the construction work has left the area in disarray, with piles of sand and stones scattered across the road. The rubble from this project has been left unattended, exacerbating the already chaotic conditions in the vicinity.
Residents and shopkeepers in the area have expressed their frustration over the inconvenience caused by the uncollected debris. The authorities’ failure to manage waste disposal effectively is creating an unsightly and hazardous environment, undermining the very essence of the Smart City initiative aimed at enhancing urban living standards.
Moreover, the issue is not confined to a single location. The problem of debris piling up can be seen at various points along the road, including the stretch from Indira Chowk to Raghunath Temple. Each new project brings with it a fresh wave of disruption, with construction waste accumulating faster than it is cleared.
In response to the growing discontent among the public, Rajesh Abrol, Official In-charge of the Jammu Smart City project, has assured that strict guidelines for debris removal will be enforced. According to Abrol, the rubble will be cleared once the construction work is completed. However, this promise offers little solace to those who are currently bearing the brunt of the disorganized construction efforts.
The situation demands immediate and proactive measures. While the development projects under the Smart City initiative are crucial for the region’s growth, they must not come at the cost of public convenience and safety. Efficient waste management and timely debris removal should be integral components of any development plan to ensure a seamless transition to a modernized urban landscape.
As the Smart City project continues to unfold, the authorities must prioritize the cleanliness and orderliness of construction sites. The vision of a Smart City can only be realized through meticulous planning and execution that respects and addresses the needs of its residents. The current scenario on Residency Road serves as a stark reminder that infrastructural development and civic responsibility must go hand in hand.
