Jammu : Member Legislative Assembly Jammu North, Sham Lal Sharma Thursday laid the foundation stone for the conservation, reconstruction and rejuvenation of Jal Talab located in Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Ward 65 and falling in the Upper Barnai area. Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Dr. Devansh Yadav was also present on the occasion.
The rejuvenation of Jal Talab is being undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs. 35.70 lakh. The project includes the cleaning and desilting of the pond, construction of a walking track around it for residents, plantation of trees and ornamental plants to enhance greenery and installation of high-quality benches for the comfort of visitors. The initiative aims not only to restore the pond’s ecological balance but also to transform it into a clean, green and attractive recreational spot for the local community.
After inaugurating the project, Sham Lal Sharma addressed the gathering and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Jammu Municipal Corporation. He appealed to the residents to maintain cleanliness around water bodies and avoid dumping garbage in them. “Just as we keep our homes clean and beautiful, we must also take equal responsibility for the cleanliness of our surroundings. Protecting ponds, streams and natural water sources is everyone’s duty,” he said. The MLA urged the local community to extend full cooperation to JMC in maintaining Jal Talab and other similar assets in the area.
He added that the rejuvenation of such traditional water bodies not only contributes to environmental conservation but also enhances the beauty and identity of the locality. “With collective efforts, we can revive our heritage and pass it on to future generations,” he remarked.
On this occasion, as many as 300 streetlights were provided for installation in the ward.
The Commissioner emphasized that the Municipal Corporation is working proactively to improve urban infrastructure and civic amenities across all wards. He further informed that the installation of streetlights across the city is being expedited to illuminate dark streets, enhance public safety and improve the overall urban environment. “Our goal is to ensure that every ward in Jammu has adequate lighting facilities. With community cooperation, we will make Jammu a cleaner, brighter and greener city,” Dr. Yadav said.
Dr. Yadav highlighted that the Jammu Municipal Corporation has launched a comprehensive plan to restore and rejuvenate all water bodies within its jurisdiction. He noted that ponds, wells and streams which once served as vital sources of water and community spaces are gradually disappearing due to urbanization and neglect. “The Municipal Corporation is fully committed for conserving these natural assets, as they are essential for maintaining ecological balance, groundwater recharge and cultural heritage,” he added.
The Commissioner announced that JMC will soon initiate a ‘Cleanliness Champions’ program in every ward. Under this initiative, senior citizens and active residents will be nominated as cleanliness champions who will provide feedback and monitor the cleanliness status in their respective areas. This participatory approach aims to ensure that citizens become active partners in maintaining hygiene and improving sanitation standards.
The event was attended by Joint Commissioner (Works) Firdous Ahmed Qazi; Executive Engineer Division –III, Akhil Dutt; Executive Engineer (Electrical), Simran Pal Singh and other officers and officials of the Jammu Municipal Corporation. The locals, senior citizens and community representatives of Ward also participated in large numbers and expressed gratitude for the developmental initiatives launched in their area.