 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 5: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, today expressed serious concern over the continued neglect of Jammu and Kashmir on the flood mitigation front, questioning the tall claims of the so-called double engine government for over a decade.
"Despite ten years of promises, very little has been translated into reality on the ground, desyhaving learned the lesson of 2014 floods", Mr Sadhotra said while speaking to people during his extensive tour of flood affected areas of Azad Nagar Gadi Garh in Jammu South Constituency. Mr. Sadhotra said that the difficulties triggered by incessant rains has once again exposed the double engine government as the much hyped roads have been badly damaged, bridges rendered unsafe, and power and utility services have faced repeated breakdowns. "This situation is not merely the outcome of heavy rainfall, but the manifestation of long-standing shortcomings in planning and execution," he observed. He said that had proper perspective planning been undertaken, such widespread disruption and suffering could have been avoided. Development cannot be reduced to slogans or announcements as the BJP did for over a decade. It has to be backed by vision, preparedness, and a long-term strategy. Unfortunately, the absence of these essential elements has left people vulnerable to repeated hardships," Mr. Sadhotra said.He said that while much effort has been put into creating hype, very little attention has been given to meaningful, result-oriented action. He said that the double engine government has been more visible in projecting narratives than in implementing durable solutions to the people's genuine problems. "A government's performance is not measured by the slogans it raises but by the relief and stability it brings to the lives of the common people," he said, adding that the popularly elected Omar Abdullah government is now doing the course correction by focusing on infrastructural upgradation. Sadhotra also highlighted the shortcomings of the Jammu Smart City Project, calling it a missed opportunity to transform urban life in a meaningful way. He said that while expectations were raised about modern facilities, efficient services, and improved civic amenities, the project has largely fallen short of addressing even the most basic requirements of citizens. n"The Smart City initiative was meant to ease people's lives, but the lack of focus and priorities has led to disappointment. Instead of being a model, it has turned into a case study of how resources and opportunities can be mismanaged," he added. Sadhotra underlined the need for governance that is transparent, accountable, and people-centric. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve dependable infrastructure, efficient services, and sustainable development, which is what present dispensation is doing despite paucity of resources. The former Minister reiterated that development is not an event but a process that requires commitment, consistency, and sincerity of purpose. He said the National Conference has always believed in planned growth, sensitive to the unique geography and challenges of the region, and will continue to stand for policies that genuinely uplift the people. Sadhotra said the BJP owes an explanation for the unfulfilled commitments made in the name of double engine governance during over ten long years. |
