Ashok Sharma
Nestled in the picturesque environs, Udhampur is a major town named after Raja Udham Singh, the eldest son of Maharaja Gulab Singh. Known for its strategic location on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the city serves as a vital hub of trade, commerce and connectivity. Despite its rich history and cultural significance, Udhampur grapples with a multitude of urban challenges that hinder its progress and potential for sustainable growth. Here are the key issues faced by Udhampur and proposed solutions to address these problems.
Urban Infrastructure and Traffic Management
One of the most pressing challenges in Udhampur is its inadequate urban infrastructure. Encroached interior roads and insufficient parking facilities lead to severe traffic congestion, though recent efforts of the Municipal Council to decongest busy areas such as Gole Market, Mukherjee Bazar and Slathia Chowk are commendable. The situation is compounded by unplanned urban expansion, unauthorized constructions and narrow lanes in wards such as Barrian, Bharat Nagar etc.
According to CEO, Municipal Council, Udhampur, efforts are underway to tackle these issues. The construction of multi-storey parking complexes near the Meat Market and Matador Stand holds promise for easing congestion. Simultaneously, systematic urban planning is crucial to expanding road networks, establishing pedestrian-friendly footpaths and ensuring strict regulation of unauthorized constructions. The Municipal Council of Udhampur’s initiative to establish a call centre for addressing complaints related to garbage clearance, drain blockages, stray animals and traffic congestion is a commendable step towards enhancing urban management.Establishment of a Civil Airport at Udhampur, reserving Circular Road( Sairgah Road) for morning/ evening walkers and not for vehicular traffic during morning / evening hours and repair/ installation of street lights are other issues which need to be given due attention.Beautification projects such as installation of coloured lights along the old National Highway & Dhar road can go a long way in adding beauty to this historical town. ‘Speeding up the construction and repair of vital infrastructure like the Salmay and Birma Bridges’, said Jitendera Varmani, President, Beopar Mandal,Udhampur, ‘coupled with beautification projects,can boost local business and further elevate the town’s status’.
Parks and Recreational Spaces
Parks and recreational spaces in Udhampur are in a deplorable state, with non-functional equipment in a few cases, widespread litter and inadequate lighting. Dr Adarsh Prakash Gupta- eminent writer and Chairman Senior Citizens’ Club Udhampur, said that these conditions not only compromise the safety of visitors but also undermine the potential of parks as spaces for relaxation and socialization. To address these issues, he advocates proper maintenance of parks, appointment of full-time gardeners and periodic cleanliness drives. Dedicated teams like the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park Development Team have set an inspiring example by looking after the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park located in the heart of the city. The team has planted hundreds of saplings in the park and other places. The need of the hour is to at least one park in each municipal ward and ensure its proper maintenance. All this can significantly enhance the quality of life for residents. Furthermore, fostering community involvement in the upkeep of parks in Housing Colony & elsewhere can ensure their long-term sustainability. Entry to Jakhani Park is by paid ticket which all can’t afford. As such ,other other parks need urgent attention.
Preservation of Dogra Culture
Udhampur, a hub of Dogra culture, lacks adequate infrastructure to preserve and promote its rich heritage. The absence of cultural and literary organizations, such as an office of the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages or a sub-office of the Sahitya Akademi and other cultural organisations, has hindered the documentation and celebration of Dogra arts, folklore and traditions. The renowned archaeologist and President, Udhampur Development Council, Anil Paba demanded a sub office of Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and a multipurpose Auditorium and upgradation of Radio Station,Udhampur . ‘Establishing these institutions in Udhampur’, he says ‘is vital for preserving its cultural identity. Organizing cultural festivals, drama performances and exhibitions can bring Dogra heritage to the forefront and foster pride among residents. Such initiatives would not only preserve the region’s unique culture but also boost tourism and local economy’.Mr.Paba also advocated for a Civil Airport at Udhampur so that patients suffering from critical problems be airlifted for specialised treatment at Jammu or elsewhere.
Water and Power Supply
Sham Swaroop Kalsotra, President Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Udhampur said that Water scarcity is a one of the main issues in Udhampur, with irregular supply and occasional contamination affecting both residential areas and the Industrial Estate at Battal Ballian.He also demanded Transport Nagar & Ware House at Udhampur.Responding to the issue of water scarcity, authorities of Jal Shakti Department,Udhampur said that,a proposed project to augment water supply by 32.54 million liters per day is under way for sustainable water management in the city.However, other urgent measures, such as replacing aging pipelines, replenishing traditional water bodies and promoting rainwater harvesting in residential, commercial and public buildings too can help alleviate water woes of Udhampur city. Similarly, the power supply in Udhampur is plagued by frequent unscheduled cuts and inflated bills. While the Revamped Distribution System (RDS) offers hope, promoting solar energy solutions and energy-efficient practices can reduce reliance on conventional power sources.
Sports Infrastructure
Sports facilities in Udhampur are grossly inadequate and poorly maintained. Udhampur is famous for having talent in Sports and has produced many sports persons of National Level. But sadly, Subhash Stadium, the town’s primary sports venue, often becomes unusable due to overgrown weeds, roaming of stray animals and waterlogging during rainy season. The lack of a functional pavilion and full fledged Sports Stadium where national level matches can be played and inadequate indoor sports facilities, further limit opportunities for youth engagement, especially the girls. The completion and maintenance of ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a new pavilion, are essential to revitalizing sports in the region and should be speeded up . Additionally, appointing competent officers with sports backgrounds in the Youth Services and Sports Department can enhance planning and execution. Promoting sports activities is critical to channelling the energy of the youth and combating social issues like drug abuse and sports infrastructure should be given top priority.
Sanitation and Civic Amenities
Sanitation remains a major concern in Udhampur, with many uncovered and choked drains, littered garbage and stray animal menace contributing to unhygienic living conditions. The holy Devika River, revered as the elder sister of the Ganges, requires urgent development of bathing ghats, particularly for female devotees.
Efforts by the Municipal Council to collaborate with NGOs like SAVE (Save Animals Value Environment) for stray animal management, especially dogs are a step in the right direction. Scaling up blacktopping of roads in the city is also necessary to give the town a facelift. Beautification projects, such as developing tourist spots like Gangera Hills and maintaining public fountains, can also enhance the town’s aesthetic appeal and attract visitors.
Transportation and Traffic Safety
Traffic congestion and road safety are persistent issues in Udhampur. The lack of organized parking, no-parking zones and traffic awareness initiatives exacerbate the problem. Introducing stringent penalties for traffic violations, installing signboards, penalising those who put building materials on roads for months together and constructing speed breakers at vulnerable locations can significantly improve road safety. The ongoing construction of multi-storey parking complexes and encouraging responsible vehicle ownership by requiring proof of parking availability are practical measures to decongest the town. Regular driver awareness camps can further instill a culture of responsible driving.More parking complexes are required to be constructed on the Dhar Road to decongest the city.
Healthcare Facilities
Although the District Hospital Udhampur has been upgraded to a Government Medical College, it lacks specialists in disciplines like nephrology, urology, neurology, neurosurgery etc. Patients often endure hardships as they are referred to hospitals in Jammu, with some succumbing during transit. Upgrading healthcare infrastructure with modern equipment such as MRI machines and filling vacant specialist positions is crucial. Establishing telemedicine facilities can also bridge the gap in healthcare services and reduce the burden on patients and their attendants.
Shortage of staff, almost in every Department- be it P.H.E.( Jal Shakti ) Department, Power Development Department, Municipal Council etc,- appears to be one of the factors for inefficient delivery of services for the public and this issue needs to be addressed by the Government.
Responding to these issues, Member of Legislative Assembly Udhampur West, Pawan Kumar Gupta said that he is well aware of all these issues and he will vigorously follow each of them to make Udhampur a model city. He said that Transport Nagar and Ware House at Udhampur are on his top priority and blacktopping of left out roads in the city will be completed in the next plan. He hoped the pending work of Sewerage Project will be completed very soon. He divulged that a mega 115 Crore Project for the augmentation of Water Supply stands submitted to the Government which, when implemented, will address the drinking water supply issue of Udhampur. He said that he will see to it that GMC Udhampur becomes fully functional and each and every service and facility for the patients is available at Udhampur.
Udhampur is at a critical juncture, grappling with the challenges of rapid urbanization and population growth. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach involving government initiatives, public participation and private sector collaboration. By investing in infrastructure, preserving its cultural heritage and enhancing civic amenities, Udhampur can transform into a model town that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. With a focused and sustained effort, Udhampur can emerge as a beacon of sustainable urban development, ensuring a higher quality of life for its residents and visitors alike. It is hoped that the Government will take cognizance of these issues and take remedial measures at the earliest.
( The writer is Sr.Lect.English (Retd) SED, Govt of J& K)
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