Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 17: The unplanned dumping of construction muck at the entry of a lane of the Jammu-Pathankot Highway, near Sainik Colony area, has severely impacted around 25 shopkeepers in the area.
The muck, generated from the construction of a Retaining Earth (RE) wall by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), has nearly blocked access to the shops, causing significant distress to local businesses.
Lokesh Sharma, proprietor of Sharma Fast Food, expressed frustration with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) authorities for ignoring their repeated requests to clear the muck.
“We’ve been assured multiple times that the debris would be removed within a day or two, but nothing has been done so far,” said Sharma.
The dumped boulders and muck not only obstruct access to the shops but have also caused damage to vehicles.
“Heavy boulders dumped without any consultation with the locals are causing damage to vehicles worth lakhs. With no relief in sight, people are now forced to take alternate routes to reach the Highway to ensure that their vehicles are not damaged,” said Ashok Kumar, another Fast Food shop owner in the area.
Surinder Sharma, who runs a designer shop, and Sanjeev Gupta, owner of Kamla Enterprises, echoed similar sentiments, blaming the authorities for their inaction.
Ravinder Singh, another affected shopkeeper, highlighted the inconsistency in NHAI’s actions.
“NHAI has cleared muck from other localities where RE walls are being constructed, but our area has been neglected despite our repeated pleas,” Singh said.
He said the situation worsens during rains, turning the area into a muddy quagmire, making it nearly impossible for customers to visit the shops.
“I slipped in the muck a few days ago. Fortunately, I wasn’t injured, but the risk remains,” Singh recounted.
On sunny days, the problem shifts to dust generated from the piled-up muck, further deterring customers.
The shopkeepers have as such further requested the National Highway Authority of India to clear the muck as soon as possible.
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