Damaged in flash flood, nullah wall at Paloura awaits repair

Tribune News Service
Jammu, August 25

A nullah at Pandoka Colony, Paloura, whose wall had collapsed in a flash flood two years ago, has still not been repaired.

Locals live in fear as they expect the worst in case of another spell of heavy rain and flash flood this monsoon which can also engulf the approach road to several localities.

Reclaimed and turned into a drain after the expansion of residential colonies since late 1990s, the nullah passes from Janipur, Paloura and other localities before dumping the waste water generated by thousands of homes into the Tawi.

“Due to the flash flood, the concrete wall collapsed, but despite approaching the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) several times, it has not been repaired. Due to the continued neglect, it can collapse anytime," said Pankaj Sharma, who lives in a nearby colony.

According to locals, soon after the damage to the nullah, Rs 8 lakh was sanctioned last year, but due to the interference of some locals, it was not released and repair work was neglected. "There was hope that after the urban local bodies elections, priority will be given to repair the nullah, but so far, nothing has been done. Another monsoon passed in fear for local residents," said Naresh Kumar, who lives in Janipur.

When contacted, municipal councillor of the area, Yash Paul Sharma, said the work would start after the monsoon.

"There were some issues, but I have got sanctioned Rs 10 lakh from the department concerned. Residents are facing problems. I also raised the issue at a recently held meeting in the Jammu Municipal Corporation," said the councillor. 

Locals live in fear 

• Locals live in fear as they expect the worst in case of another spell of heavy rain and flash flood this monsoon which could also engulf the approach road to several localities.
• Reclaimed and turned into a drain after the expansion of residential colonies since late 1990s, the nullah passes from Janipur, Paloura and other localities before dumping the waste water generated by thousands of homes into the Tawi.