Moderate rain belies MC’s claims
Several areas in Jammu were submerged and vehicular traffic came to a halt. Driving past flooded roads turned into a nightmare as gushing rainwater seeped into moving vehicles
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service
Jammu, July 15
With the monsoon becoming active again, moderate showers, which lashed the region on Thursday, threw the normal life in the city completely out of gear.
It also exposed the lack of preparedness of the local administration and the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) in tackling with the perennial problem of water clogged drains, inundated roads and streets.
Several areas in the city were submerged under water and dug-up roads and those with potholes made life miserable for pedestrians. The vehicular traffic also came to a halt. Driving past flooded roads turned into a nightmare as gushing rainwater seeped into the moving vehicles.
The situation was worst at the canal road, especially opposite the house of former Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, which looked like a huge pool of water. The vehicles trying to pass through the accumulated water were also seen getting break down in the clogged water.
“I was forced to leave my vehicle and cross the road barefooted with my pants folded,” said Jitender Singh, a motorist.
Though the showers last for a short time, it brought the failure of the administration to the fore, which has always claimed to have fully prepared to deal with the situation.
The condition was worst in the old city where most of the roads have been dug up. The rainwater entered into a number of houses and shops.
“It rained only for an hour or so and see what damage it has done. Now wonder what will be the situation in the coming days when the monsoon will be at its peak. The tall claims made by the authorities have fallen flat. Despite this, no one is ready to find out any permanent solution to this perpetual problem,” said Aniket Sharma, a local resident.
A spokesperson for the JMC said rainwater did accumulate in some low-lying areas of the city, but the situation was normal in other parts of the city.
“We are on the job and all efforts are afoot to deal with the situation arising due to rains. Water pumps have been made operational in several areas and where the work is left, it will be completed within a short time,” the spokesperson added. He further said special attention was being given to the low-lying areas in the city.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted more rain in the next two-three days.
No comments:
Post a Comment