JNAC Accused of Irregularities in Jamshedpur Drain Cleaning Drive

Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) has been accused of severe irregularities in the cleaning of major drains in the city. Mukul Mishra, the public amenity representative of Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy, has written to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of East Singhbhum demanding an investigation into the matter by a competent officer.

Mishra noted that JNAC cleans major drains every year ahead of the monsoon season. Following this routine, the urban body recently initiated desilting work in the large drains of Kadma and Sonari. According to Mishra, the official tender rules mandate the deployment of 30 labourers for the cleaning operations. However, JNAC is deploying far fewer workers on the ground.

Mishra stated that JNAC engaged only 17 labourers for the cleaning work in the Sonari area on June 1 and June 2. Similarly, he alleged that the contractor deployed 19 labourers in the Kadma area on June 3 and June 4.

Mishra pointed out that JNAC has currently halted drain cleaning work in Sonari altogether. With the Meteorological Department forecasting early rainfall, any heavy downpour could trigger severe waterlogging and flash floods in the low-lying areas of Sonari and Kadma. Mishra warned that JNAC would bear full responsibility if such a situation arises.

Mishra blamed the sub-divisional municipal commissioner’s indifferent attitude and JNAC’s failure to deploy the mandated 30 labourers for crippling the desilting drive. He added that under the current pace, the civic body is unlikely to complete the cleaning operations before the rains arrive. Mishra urged the Deputy Commissioner to appoint a competent official to thoroughly investigate these operational lapses.