SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings) will lead a coordinated effort involving multiple departments to address persistent waterlogging on Jail Road in Kathua.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who also holds the Public Works (R&B) portfolio, made the statement while replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Dr Bharat Bhushan.
He told the House that the issue involves land records, jail premises, drainage infrastructure and urban development matters falling under different departments, necessitating a coordinated approach for its resolution.
According to the deputy chief minister, field reports and local inquiries indicate that the nallah believed to be responsible for the waterlogging currently falls within the boundary wall of District Jail Kathua, which was constructed around 25 years ago. He added that available records do not show the nallah as registered with the Revenue Department.
Choudhary said the Revenue Department would verify relevant land records and conduct a joint demarcation exercise to establish the alignment of the nallah and determine whether any encroachment has taken place.
He said the Home Department and jail authorities would be consulted on the findings to facilitate removal of any obstruction or identify an alternative alignment without affecting jail security.
The Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) and Municipal Council Kathua will be tasked with integrating the drain and outfall with the town’s drainage network and carrying out desilting and sanitation measures within their jurisdiction, he said.
The deputy chief minister further informed the House that the Kathua district administration would oversee a joint site inspection involving all concerned departments and facilitate decisions on inter-departmental issues.
He said the PWD would focus on protecting the road and roadside drainage infrastructure and take further action once the alignment of the nallah is finalised.
As an interim measure, existing drains along Jail Road will be cleaned and desilted, while stagnant water will be diverted or pumped out wherever necessary. Municipal and health authorities will also undertake sanitation and anti-larval measures in Ward No. 2 to address public health concerns.
Choudhary said the government would keep the local MLA informed about progress on the issue and welcomed his participation in the proposed joint inspection.
