DH NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 21
Senior Congress leader and DDC Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony today made a fervent appeal to the Chief Minister and Director General of Police (DGP) to intervene and relocate the proposed ammunition depot in Chowadi to an alternate site, citing grave threats to the safety of local residents.
He was addressing a press conference in Jammu, accompanied by Arshada Bibi (Ex-Sarpanch), Rakesh Kumar (Ex-Naib Sarpanch), Ghulam Rasool (Ex-Panch), and Sham Lal.
Expressing deep concern over the issue, Tony lambasted the authorities for disregarding public safety and legal provisions. He emphasized that over 400 families residing in Chowadi and its adjoining mohallas are directly threatened by the depot’s proposed location. Despite an alternative site being identified, the police are adamant about proceeding with the construction at the current location.
Tony highlighted the violations under the Works of Defence Act, 1903, which mandates a minimum safety distance of 1000 meters for constructions around ammunition depots. However, in Chowadi, residential areas are merely 100 meters from the proposed site, putting hundreds of lives at risk. He condemned the authorities for ignoring these legal safeguards and proceeding with the project at the cost of human lives.
The senior Congress leader further alleged that despite the Tehsildar, deputed by the Deputy Commissioner Jammu, ordering a halt to the construction work, police personnel have continued with the depot’s construction. He also raised concerns about the disruption of the drinking water supply in the area for the past 15 days due to ongoing construction work, exacerbating the hardships faced by local residents.
Tony questioned the administration’s apathy, asking, “Is this the human face of governance? Why are senior officials turning a blind eye to such blatant lawlessness?” He warned that if immediate action is not taken, protests will be intensified to safeguard the rights and safety of the affected residents.
Reaffirming his commitment to the people, Tony urged the administration to relocate the depot to a safer location without further delay and restore essential services to the residents of Chowadi. He vowed to continue his fight until justice is served and the concerns of the people are addressed.
