JMC misusing money non-productive works

Passenger sheds in city taken over by beggars, no benefit to the people

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, Sept 25: Constructed for the benefit of commuters travelling by public transport, passengers sheds in the city have become resting place for beggars. In absence of any action by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), most of the people are not using them now. 

Passenger shed at Gole Market, near Women College Gandhi Nagar, Jewel Chowk, Amphalla, Main stop, and at Parade are totally ‘encroached’ by beggars. Begging, the most common urban problem has taken alarming dimensions in Jammu city, who roam the market places seeking alms.

“Beggars in Jammu are mostly from other parts of the country who are brought here under a well planned strategy not only to fleece but also to commit petty crimes- the government however seems to be sleeping over the issue” said Amit Singh, a housewife.

Most sheds have been rendered useless for daily commuters, who use the public transport system to reach their destinations every day.

These stops have turned out to be a waste of money, as these are not being utilised for the purpose they were constructed. At some places fruit sellers are using them for storing place.

“These are for the benefit of passengers and the authorities need to create awareness about them. Beggers should be removed from these sites,” says Bupesh Kumarl, a local resident.

Commuters allege that at some place, drug addicts could be seen using the places during the evening hours, which have become a threat to the people moving near these places during evening hours.

 “They have become a nuisance for the people particularly the tourists as they follow them in the markets. Though they are mostly children, but their handlers are always near them keeping a close watch”, said a shopkeeper at Gandhi Nagar.

For being the city of temples, Jammu is a paradise for the beggars who mostly come from other states like Orrisa, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Gujarat along with their families, with the hope of getting good alms here.