 SRI KRISHEN KAW
Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 19: A year after torrential rains battered Jagti Migrant Township in August-September 2025, hundreds of damaged rooftops remain unrepaired - forcing families to brace for another monsoon with plastic sheets and buckets.
Residents ofvthe camp say over hundreds of quarters in multiple blocks developed major leaks and cracks during last year's downpour. Broken slabs and collapsed roofing sheets have left many homes exposed. "Every time it rains, our houses turn into ponds. We shift beds, cover TVs, and stay awake all night," said a resident of the colony.
The elderly are worst hit, complaining of damp walls, spreading fungus, and ration stocks ruined by seepage. Locals also fear electrocution and ceiling collapse from exposed iron bars and weakened structures. Two incidents of plaster fall were reported off and on, though no one was seriously hurt.
Slamming the delay, Jammu Migrants Welfare Movement (JMWM) Convener Sunil Pandita called it "criminal negligence." "They're pushing NFSA on us but can't ensure a basic roof over our heads. Water crisis, broken quarters, now unsafe roofs - how long will we suffer? If work doesn't begin before the rains, we'll gherao the Relief Commissioner's office," he warned.
Residents say repeated complaints on the JK Grievance portal and written appeals to the Lt. Governor's office since January 2026 have only drawn "under process" responses.
With the IMD forecasting an early monsoon around June 25 in the Jammu region, families are again stocking tarpaulin. Welfare committees have demanded immediate, time-bound completion of roof repairs for all damaged quarters.
If work isn't expedited, Jagti could face a repeat of last year's chaos - this time with weaker structures and deeper public anger. |
