Jammu: A delegation of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its Chairman Vikrant Kuthiala along with other senior members met Vijay Kumar, General Manager, NHIDCL in his office.
Kuthiala briefed Vijay Kumar about the issues being faced by members of PHDCCI and general public at large and requested for an early resolution. The issues discussed were Early completion of city component of the highway from Canal head to Muthi, Construction of Drainage and Sewerage at Canal Road along with the road widening of Jammu – Akhnoor Highway, Operationalization of Temporary Road alongside Residential/Commercial Establishments , Street Lighting at Akhnoor road and the Lack of direction Signage. He also requested for the Construction of a drain in areas where ground Level is Higher than Road Level. The necessity of development of a Green area along with a Walkway on left bank of Ranbir Canal was also stressed upon by him and NHIDCL was requested to take up this work as well.
Rahul Sahai requested for the expeditious completion of this segment of the highway as the construction has totally disrupted commercial activity in the area in addition to making life difficult for the residents due to constant disturbance and lack of proper approach to their establishments. The monsoons have further aggravated the problems of the residents & commercial establishments. He also drew GM’s attention to the fact that there is no drainage and sewerage system between the stretches from canal head on House side till Bakshi Nagar Bridge. This problem becomes acute particularly during the rains when the rain water from the road floods the houses.
Vineet Aggarwal requested for the construction of a service road from Palm Island Mall to Royal Palm apartments on the lines of the road which has been constructed opposite BSF Headquarters. He also mentioned that due to the ongoing Construction Work of 4 Lanning and Flyover of Jammu-Akhnoor Road, a large number of Street Lights have either become defunct or defective from the stretch of Canal Head to Muthi. As a result the area is totally devoid of any street lights and an open invitation to anti social elements, he requested for immediate installation of street lights in the area.
Siddanth Choudhary, mentioned that earlier Akhnoor Road had clearly marked route signage to assist the traffic; however after commencement of construction work all such signage have been removed. He requested that the builder be directed to install temporary signage till completion of road works. He also mentioned the issues of road level to GM NHIDCL. The proposed road level of the service lane is not known to any of the residents and commercial establishments in the area. The methodology of connecting existing showrooms and houses to the highway are also not known. He also requested that the proposed road levels and the approaches to all establishment s and houses be informed to the concerned.
Ajay Gandotra mentioned that due to the widening of Jammu-Akhnoor Road, the Walk-way and the Greenery along Ranbir Canal is going to be substantially reduced, thereby reducing the green cover of the city. He suggested that the Green Walkway should be developed on left bank of the canal.
Harbinder Singh requested procurement related to construction , purchase preference should be given to local manufacturing industry under public procurement policy.
Vijay Kumar gave a patience hearing to the issues raised by PHDCCI delegation and assured that he shall immediately look into the issues of direction signage and street lights at Akhnoor road. He also mentioned that they are aware of the issues faced by residence of Akhnoor road and assured full cooperation in early resolution of the same.
