Rain exposes Floriculture dept’s callousness

PS BALI
Jammu Tawi, December 31
Few centimeters of rain in Jammu, where on one side provided a sigh of relief from persistent dry weather conditions, on the other hand exposed tall claims of the government of heading towards positive development, wherein an under construction park at Gangyal has eroded the embankment of the canal, allegedly by the mistake of contractors and workers of floriculture department.Inaugurated on December 26 by the Minister of state for Revenue and Relief, Raman Bhalla the project was in its infancy and by the alleged negligence of the department it damaged the nearby embankment of the canal, causing inconvenience to the locals, with water entering the houses. “This project was initiated by the Floriculture department some five days back, but as per its condition it seems it was ill-planned and was not prepared for rains,” said president of residents association, Baldev Singh Baloria, adding that due to this damage residents have to face great trouble, as water entered into their houses damaging costly appliances and furniture.Residents of the area also held contractor, who is executing the works responsible for the damage and demanded a probe against him and the department.“Despite of poorly planned project, Floriculture department, and contractor continued their digging process even during the rains, which has weakened the embankment of the canal, resulting into flooding,” said Baloria.The residents also expressed resentment over the working of the Irrigation department as after hours of incident they failed to reach the spot.“All the government departments are working to please their bosses, as after informing Irrigation department in the wee hours, they reached the spot after five hours, which showed their interest,” said Baloria, adding that after Minister Raman Bhalla reached spot, all the departments including DC also appeared on the spot.Raman Bhalla released Rs 12 lakh for the restoration of damaged canal and instructed Irrigation department to complete work on priority basis.