NC govt ignoring public issues: MLA Jammu (North)

Jammu, Jul 11: Sham Lal Sharma, Vice-President, Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Friday accused the National Conference-led government of failing to address the basic needs of the people.He expressed serious concern over the alleged mismanagement of the Flood Control Department, especially after the recent heavy rains that led to widespread havoc, including damaged roads & infrastructure, particularly near drains and khadds.Sharma, who is the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jammu North, held a public darbar at the party headquarters here to address the grievances of people from various parts of the region.During the darbar, the BJP leader criticised the ongoing power crisis in the region, pointing out that frequent and unrelenting electricity cuts occur during peak summer and the rainy season. “Even areas with 100% metering are facing severe power outages. This clearly shows administrative failure and lack of planning,” he said and attributed it also to the ongoing agitation by daily wagers, severely impacting the delivery of essential public services.A series of deputations from different localities presented a wide range of issues before the BJP leader. Residents of Trikuta Nagar highlighted the issue of pending bills and liabilities in the Mechanical Division Akhnoor, while locals from Raipur requested the installation of stone crates at a nearby khadd, a statement issued here said.A deputation from Ward 16, New Plot, demanded the repair and installation of street lights, and people from Janipur complained about irregular drinking water supply. Land-related issues in Assarwan were raised by a deputation from Kallri Palwal, while residents of Karwanda demanded repair and blacktopping of their link road. People from Samba requested the installation of Mark-II hand pumps along border roads, and those from Wazir Lane and Karan Nagar appealed for the construction and repair of drains and lanes.A deputation from Nagrota called for the introduction of e-bus services and the installation of electric poles, while Muthi residents highlighted issues related to Aadhaar and Ration Cards. Gangyal residents brought up the issue of a non-functional tubewell, and a deputation from Baba Kailakh raised an issue concerning the Floriculture Department.Public darbar was smoothly coordinated by Er Dil Bahadur Jamwal, Incharge, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, who facilitated effective communication between the public and party leadership, the statement added.