In the aftermath of the heavy rainfall that lashed Jammu on Saturday night, causing widespread waterlogging and damage in several localities, MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta, accompanied by senior administrative officials, visited different areas of his constituency to assess the ground situation and interact with affected residents.
The MLA inspected Ward No. 29, which witnessed partial damage, as well as Wards 40, 41, and 32 covering Kabir Colony, Vishal Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, Wazir Lane, Colonel Colony, Pounichak, Santra Morh, Ajit Colony, Saini Mohalla, Shakti Nagar, and Ward No. 39.
Many of these areas were inundated with nearly five feet of water, resulting in extensive damage to houses, furniture, electronic appliances, and other household material worth several lakhs of rupees.
Gupta also visited Canal Road, where the Ranbir Canal overflowed for the first time in decades, flooding multiple localities and leaving homes submerged.
Residents reported that several boundary walls had collapsed under the pressure of accumulated water.
“The situation was unprecedented. Water entered homes with such intensity that families had to rush out in panic to save their lives,” one resident shared with the MLA.
A particularly critical situation arose at IIIM Lab, where 150 students were trapped due to rising floodwaters. Teams of SDRF and NDRF were rushed to the spot and successfully evacuated all students to safety.
Arvind Gupta commended the rescue personnel for their timely and coordinated response.
Speaking to the media, Gupta said, “The heavy rains caused massive destruction in many parts of Jammu West. In areas like Kabir Colony, Vishal Nagar, Shakti Nagar, and Ajit Colony, people lost valuable household items including electronic gadgets, furniture, and essentials due to water entering homes up to five feet. It is painful to see the losses our people have suffered.”
He extended gratitude to the administration for its swift action. “I want to thank the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner, police department, SDRF, NDRF, and other agencies who acted promptly to save lives and minimize further damage. Their coordination in handling such a crisis deserves appreciation,” Gupta remarked.
During his visit, Gupta urged people to refrain from encroaching upon natural waterways and drainage systems, stressing that such practices worsen flooding during heavy rains.
“Encroachments on drains and water channels are a serious issue. I appeal to the public to cooperate with the administration so that such disasters can be minimized in the future,” he said.
The MLA assured affected families that he would personally take up the matter of compensation with the concerned authorities. He also directed municipal officials to begin immediate desilting and repair work in affected drains and restore basic amenities like clean drinking water at the earliest.
Residents appreciated the MLA’s presence on the ground and his proactive role in coordinating with officials. Many expressed hope that adequate relief and preventive measures would be implemented soon to avoid a repeat of such devastation.
Arvind Gupta concluded his inspection by reiterating his commitment to the welfare of his constituency.
“My priority is to ensure timely relief for the affected families and to work towards long-term solutions to prevent such tragedies. Together with the administration, we will rebuild stronger and safer,” he said.
