Demanding black topping of road, Janipur residents block road for two hours

Demanding black topping of road, Janipur residents block road for two hours Nitesh Sangral JAMMU, Aug29: New Plot-Bantalab road today remained blocked for two hours after people held protest against the poor condition of major artery of the area. They blamed administration for poor condition of road which have been dug during last two months by ERA and NBCC to lay sewerage work. Large number of traders blocked road at Janipur against the delay in black topping of road. There was total chaos on the road for hours as police Naka at Roop nagar stopped the vehicles towards Janipur at 9 am and same was situation at Sarwal chowk. They took other alternative roads. Every day chaotic conditions prevail on New Plot-Janipur as hundreds of vehicles are caught in long traffic jam for hours during rush hours. It is one of the busiest artery in the city as it not only caters to the needs of local people, but the High Court also falls on the stretch, were thousands of people visit daily. Sunil Dimple alleged that number of residents is suffering from breathing problem due to the dust. “Dust generated by the plying of vehicles has created a major health hazard for the people and blacktopping should be done immediately”, Dimple said. At the moment there are 21 roads having aggregate length of 12 kilometers— 9.60 kilometers under ERA and 2.40 kilometers under NBCC, which are presently damaged and yet to be handed over to Public Works Department (PWD) for black topping. “An entire portion along Janipur to B.C Road has been dug up which has also resulted in frequent traffic congestion. Same is the condition in other parts of Jammu,” said Vishal Mehra, another resident. “You will not find a place where the work of digging is not going on. This results in traffic jams besides causing a lot of problems for pedestrians who walk through the area. Problem is more during the evening hours,” said Shubam Chaudhary, a local resident.