Dy CM Surinder Choudhary conducts on-site assessment of flood-affected infrastructure in Jammu region

• Calls for accountability; demands transparent investigation  

JAMMU: In a determined post-flood outreach initiative, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference senior leader and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary visited critical flood-damaged sites in the Jammu region, including Devak Bridge near AIIMS Vijaypur, Samba, and Sahar Khad Bridge near Lagate Morh, Kathua. This hands-on inspection is part of a sustained effort to assess the catastrophic infrastructural damages of National Highways Bridges and roads caused by recent floods and expose glaring governance failures.

Choudhary condemned the deplorable state of infrastructure and called for a thorough and transparent probe into the causes behind the collapse of bridges and highways. “The sheer scale of destruction exposes shocking negligence and substandard workmanship by agencies entrusted with public safety. The damages of bridges and roads of national highways is not merely a natural disaster issue, but a clear indictment of systemic negligence and poor oversight. We will hold the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) accountable and seek concrete answers,” he asserted.

Turning a critical eye on the previous PDP-BJP coalition government, Choudhary accused it of blatant mismanagement and deliberate neglect of flood mitigation measures. Funds allocated for dredging the Jhelum and Tawi rivers simply vanished. Flood channels were never expanded to enhance their carrying capacity, leaving millions vulnerable even to moderate rainfall. Where did the crores of public money go? Who benefited while the people suffered? The coalition partners owe the people of Jammu and Kashmir a full explanation,” he demanded.

Choudhary also condemned the unelected regime that succeeded the coalition, calling their inaction and complacency “a betrayal of public trust.” “Instead of addressing the elephant in the room, successive Lieutenant Governors sat idle. No meaningful efforts were made to expedite flood mitigation plans. The recent floods and ensuing destruction raise serious questions about their governance,” he added.

Taking aim at the local BJP leadership, the Deputy Chief Minister criticized their conspicuous absence during this crisis. “When the people needed their representatives the most, BJP MLAs are nowhere to be seen, offering only hollow statements. It is high time the BJP leadership in Jammu stops playing politics and go to Delhi to demand a substantial relief and rehabilitation package from the BJP-led Central Government. The losses run into crores, and the people’s patience is wearing thin,” he warned.

Choudhary concluded by reaffirming Omar Abdullah led Govt’s commitment to push for a rigorous and transparent investigation into the flood damages and to ensure swift restoration of infrastructure, emphasizing that the safety and trust of the people must never be compromised. Choudharly also visited Industrial Growth Center Samba, Pir Kho in Jammu City, Gujjar Nagar and Bathindi area of Jammu city to see on the spot losses and suffering of people of the areas.

Among those who were present included: Rattan Lal Gupta Provincial President Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Sham Narian Mehta District President Kathua Rural, Rajesh Pargotra, Mohinder Singh, Ashwani Abrol and others.