![Senior Cong leader, Yogesh Sawhney addressing public meeting in Panjtirthi area of Jammu East on Saturday. Senior Cong leader, Yogesh Sawhney addressing public meeting in Panjtirthi area of Jammu East on Saturday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/page5-5-6-696x480.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 7: Former Minister and ex-MLA Jammu East, Yogesh Sawhney today alleged that basic infrastructure in so called Jammu Smart City is crumbling.
While interacting with residents of Ward No. 1, Panjtirthi, in Jammu East today Sawhney alleged that people of Jammu Old City/Jammu East are suffering due to poor delivery by the Administration. He said that proxy Government of BJP has miserably failed to improve the basic infrastructure despite claims of Smart City project launched in the City. He said by just raising sign boards and tall lights the City can not be made smart. The people have been deprived of basic amenities.
Sawhney asserted that it was deeply concerning that basic infrastructure continues to crumble in the area. It is an example of compete negligence by the administration. The Mubarak Mandi Complex, a heritage site, stands neglected, and this neglect indicates the lack of attention by the Government. Water and electricity, which are lifelines for people, have been overlooked for far too long, causing a deep rooted resentment among the residents.
The infrastructure in lanes and drains is severely lacking, posing health risks and affecting the daily lives of the people. The drains are not taken care of, thereby, often leading to overflowing and causing major health hazard for the people. The lanes are extremely tight and roads are broken and problem of traffic congestion with parking of bike on the roads is another core issue.
There was no initiative by the BJP leaders for development of Jammu East in any sense, and it has deteriorated continuously under the existing regime.
During the meeting, residents discussed several critical issues with Sawhney. The meeting particularly saw a significant participation from senior members of the community. Key issues raised by them during the meeting included persistent water shortages, erratic electricity supply, and the dilapidated state of lanes and drains, all of which have been longstanding grievances of the ward.
The meeting was organised by Ram Magotra. The senior Congress leader was accompanied by Birender Singh Manhas, Chander Shekhar, Pawan Dev Singh, Rajesh Khosla, Sunil Kumar and Ashok Sharma.
Those present in the meeting included- Ram Swaroop Baru, Dhyan Singh, Jeevan Singh, Kuldeep Raj Sharma, Dwarka Nath Sharma, Raj Kumar, Sanjay, Pranav, Raman, Tarun Gandotra, Uday Singh Puri, Virender Kumar, Aamir Khan, Gopal Krishan, Fateh Singh, Bansi Lal, Madhuri Devi, Jyoti Sharma, Pinki Katoch, Swarna Kanta, Raj Rani and others.