Issues related to civic amenities’ dominate JMC general body meet
| Date :09-May-2023 |
Staff Reporter
The adjourned general body meeting of the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation was re-organised at Pt Bhawani Prasad Tiwari auditorium, on Monday and several issues related to civic amenities were discussed during the meeting. Opposition members raised concerns about water-logging, water scarcity, out-of-order street lights and withdrawal of money in the name of deceased employees. They also complaint about the lack of response from senior JMC officials, despite writing multiple letters to them. The late arrival of Mayor-in-Council members and some senior officials caused an uproar, with the opposition citing it as an example of the ruling party’s lack of commitment to the city’s development.
At the start of the meeting, Corporator Kamlesh Agarwal raised the issue of water crisis and water-logging in the city. He also complained to the Mayor about interrupted development work in a garden in Rajiv Gandhi ward. He said the work has already been approved and contractors appointed, but the JDA officials have stopped work. He demanded for renovation of the garden. Later, opposition members also raised concerns about corrupt practices within the Municipal Corporation, citing a news report that alleged money was being embezzled in the name of dead employees. Corporator Jeetu Katare accused the Mayor of encouraging officers in such activities, as well as taking bribes for compassionate appointments.
BJP Corporator Sunil Puri Goswami highlighted the need for better cleanliness in residential areas, while Corporator Sharad Srivastava raised the issue of water crisis in his ward, stating that despite the Mayor's approval of two borings four months ago, the pumps had not been installed yet and the water crisis persisted in his ward. He threatened to lock the office of concerned officer if the pump is not installed and pipeline is not laid at the earliest possible. Later, Mayor, Jagat Bahadur Singh replied to all the queries and complaints of opposition members and said he is vowed to overall development of the city and provision all needed civic amenities and comforts to the denizens. Overall, issues related to water-logging, uncleanliness, poor street light facility etc. were discussed at the meeting, with opposition corporators raising concerns about these problems in their respective wards. Despite deployment of several sanitation workers, the cleaning system was not improving. The Opposition members cornered the ruling party on various issues until the end of the meeting.