In view of the onset of monsoon and forecasts of heavy rainfall in Jammu city, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Dr Devansh Yadav has directed officers to intensify cleaning and desilting of major drains and nallahs to ensure smooth flow of rainwater and minimise the risk of waterlogging across the city.
Dr Devansh Yadav inspected several wards to review progress of desilting operations and assess the condition of the city's drainage network. He also reviewed construction of new drainage infrastructure being executed by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) under the SASCI Scheme at Jallo Chak, Digiayna and Greater Kailash.
The Commissioner instructed executing agencies to safeguard construction materials during the monsoon and ensure all ongoing works are carried out with strict quality control and adequate protective measures, so that construction activities continue despite adverse weather.
Dr Devansh Yadav said regular desilting of drains, timely completion of drainage infrastructure and continuous monitoring are vital to preventing urban flooding, protecting residential areas and ensuring uninterrupted flow of stormwater during the monsoon.
The Commissioner said the Corporation has put in place measures to safeguard the lives and property of citizens during the monsoon and appealed to the public to avoid dumping garbage, plastic waste, construction debris or other material into drains and nallahs, as such practices obstruct the flow of water, choke the drainage network and increase the risk of flooding.
The JMC has launched a round-the-clock desilting drive to clear major drains and nallahs before rains intensify. The Corporation is undertaking cleaning of 29 major nallahs under its jurisdiction, covering flood-prone and waterlogging-sensitive areas including Greater Kailash, Sainik Colony, Valmiki Colony, Sanjay Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Gadi Garh, Gujjar Basti, Nanak Nagar, Gangyal, Trikuta Nagar, Railway Station, Model Town, Jeevan Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, Channi Himmat, Shanti Nagar, Kunjwani, Bathindi, Sunjwan, Preet Nagar, Talab Tillo, Anand Nagar and other vulnerable localities.
Dr Devansh Yadav said JMC will continue to monitor the city's drainage system and deploy additional manpower, machinery and emergency response teams wherever required throughout the monsoon.