Parvinder Singh Happy Meets CM Omar Abdullah, Demands Urgent Civic Infrastructure Overhaul in Ward No. 58 under AMRUT and RDSS
||Black and White Digital News ||
||R Goyal , June 20 2025||
Jammu : In a decisive move aimed at addressing long-standing civic grievances, prominent community leader Parvinder Singh Happy led a delegation of residents from Ward No. 58 of the Jammu Municipal Corporation to meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah, submitting a comprehensive memorandum that seeks urgent redressal of multiple urban infrastructure failures. The memorandum calls for a multi-sectoral overhaul under flagship government schemes like AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) and RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme).
The visit marks a significant moment in the ongoing public outcry over administrative apathy, infrastructural decay, and absence of responsive governance, especially in Jammu’s rapidly urbanizing zones.
Decades-Old Water Supply System in Ruins:
A key issue outlined in the memorandum is the deplorable condition of the water supply network, particularly in areas like Jeevan Nagar,Dashmesh Nagar, Digiana Camp, Roop Nagar, and Model Town. The residents allege that water pipelines in these zones are over 30 to 40 years old, leading to constant leakage, low water pressure, and disruption to thousands of households. The delegation strongly recommended complete replacement of the pipeline system under AMRUT, stressing that only such a step can restore basic water access to the ward’s population.
Power Supply Woes Despite 100% Smart Metering:
The memorandum also raises questions about the effectiveness of RDSS, noting that even after full implementation of smart meters, frequent power cuts and low-voltage supply persist. Residents attribute these issues to the Power Development Department’s (PDD) failure to conduct a proper technical survey accounting for the area’s current load requirements. The irregular power supply has damaged electrical appliances and affected the water distribution network, amplifying the crisis in daily living conditions.
Street Lighting Non-Functional; Safety at Risk:
The condition of street lighting has also emerged as a major concern. Most lights installed under the Jammu Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction are reportedly defunct, with maintenance outsourced to a private agency from outside the state. Residents complain of zero accountability, no local office for grievance redressal, and no remote monitoring. Large parts of the ward remain in darkness, posing serious security risks, especially for women, children, and the elderly.
Illegal Use of Electric Poles by Private Operators:
In another alarming revelation, the residents have drawn attention to unauthorized installations by telecom and cable operators on PDD electric poles. These setups were allegedly carried out without obtaining permission, making safety compliance non-existent. This unauthorized usage has led to short circuits and damage to public property, posing direct risks to human life and public safety.
Lack of Elected Representation Hampering Governance:
The memorandum reflects frustration over the long delay in holding municipal elections. Residents say the absence of elected ward-level representatives has created a vacuum in governance, weakening the accountability of civic departments and hindering timely grievance redressal. The delegation emphasized that effective local governance is impossible without empowered public representatives on the ground.
Poor Outreach of Welfare Schemes:
Highlighting social welfare gaps, the memorandum mentions that many eligible beneficiaries—including senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, and PHH ration cardholders—are unable to access government schemes due to lack of documentation support and awareness. The delegation has urged the Social Welfare Department and the Department of Food and Public Distribution to hold regular outreach camps at the ward level to streamline benefits and reduce exclusion.
Request for CM’s Visit and Model Ward Development:
In a heartfelt appeal, the residents have requested Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally visit Ward No. 58, observe the challenges firsthand, and initiate comprehensive development measures. They have also proposed that the ward be taken up as a model under the Smart Cities Mission, to demonstrate the power of people-centric, accountable urban planning.
A Call for Action, Not Promises
The memorandum represents the growing sentiment among Jammu’s citizens that cosmetic fixes are no longer enough. What’s needed is decisive, structured, and accountable intervention from the highest levels of government. Whether the government rises to the occasion remains to be seen—but the message from Ward No. 58 is loud and clear: enough is enough.
Key Demands in the Memorandum:
1. Replacement of old water pipelines under AMRUT.
2. Technical load survey and rectification of power issues under RDSS.
3. Repair and proper maintenance of street lighting with local accountability.
4. Strict action against unauthorized telecom installations on electric poles.
5. Immediate steps for municipal elections to restore local governance.
6. Regular welfare camps for excluded beneficiaries.
7. Declaration of Ward No. 58 as a model ward under the Smart Cities Mission.
This citizen-driven initiative, spearheaded by Parvinder Singh Happy, has brought the spotlight squarely onto one of Jammu’s most neglected wards—raising both expectations and stakes for the administration.
