Jammu, Nov 14: Congress leader Taranjit Singh Tony has taken up the long-pending demand of residents of Refugee Poonchi Basti, Gadigarh, for the development of a dedicated public park, highlighting the deprivation faced by the local community due to the absence of basic recreational facilities despite earlier assurances.
Tony, along with a deputation of local residents and Panchayat representatives, contacted SDM Jammu South, Manu Hans, and apprised him of the genuine concerns of the residents, who have been seeking a public park for their locality for a long time.
During the interaction, Tony highlighted that the residents of Refugee Poonchi Basti have been deprived of a common recreational space where children, youth, elderly citizens, women and families can spend time and participate in outdoor activities.
He stressed that the demand is not limited to a playground for children but concerns the overall welfare and quality of life of the entire community.
He pointed out that children need a safe space to play and engage in physical activities, youth require recreational facilities and healthy avenues for engagement, while elderly citizens need a peaceful environment for morning and evening walks, exercise and social interaction. A properly developed public park would also provide women and families with a welcoming space for relaxation and community interaction. Tony further emphasised that the people of Refugee Poonchi Basti deserve adequate civic amenities and that the earlier promise of providing a park to the locality must be fulfilled. He urged the administration to treat the matter on priority and take concrete steps towards addressing this genuine public demand.
Responding positively to the deputation, SDM Jammu South, Manu Hans, assured Taranjit Singh Tony and the accompanying representatives that their demand would be considered favourably. He also assured that he would personally visit the proposed site on Monday to assess the ground situation and examine the matter.
Welcoming the assurance, Tony expressed hope that the proposed inspection would pave the way for a positive outcome and that the long-pending demand of the residents would finally receive the attention it deserves. The deputation included Sarpanch Vijay Sharma (Lower Gadigarh), Vikas Sharma (Chairman, Panchayat), Sunita Sharma (Panch), Santosh Sharma (Panch) and Sunita Kumari (Panch), along with other local residents.
The Panchayat representatives and residents collectively stressed that the absence of a public park has deprived the locality of an important community facility. They appealed to the administration to ensure that suitable land is made available and the necessary administrative formalities are completed without further delay. Tony reiterated that providing basic public infrastructure and recreational facilities is essential for the development of every locality.
He maintained that a public park would serve as a valuable asset for the entire Refugee Poonchi Basti community, benefiting children, youth, senior citizens and families alike. He assured the residents that he would continue to pursue the matter with the concerned authorities until their genuine demand reaches a logical conclusion.
The residents welcomed the SDM's assurance and expressed hope that Monday's proposed site visit would mark a meaningful step towards fulfilling their long-standing demand. The deputation appealed to the administration to translate its assurance into concrete action and fulfil the promise of a public park for Refugee Poonchi Basti, Gadigarh, ensuring a healthier and better community environment for all generations.
|