By Dhanendra Chourasia

 

The year 2024 was a key chapter in the history of the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation (JMC), characterised by political upheavals, administrative milestones and transformative development projects. Despite facing significant challenges, the Municipal Corporation has left no stone unturned to ensure holistic urban development, positioning Jabalpur as a leading city in governance, infrastructure and environmental stewardship. Adding to the year’s historic moments, Preeti Yadav became the first woman to hold the position of Municipal Commissioner, marking a significant milestone in the JMC’s history. Likewise, Jagat Bahadur Singh, elected as Mayor on a Congress ticket, shifted allegiance to the BJP, reshaping the political backdrop of the Municipal Corporation. The unveiling of the State’s tallest national flag at Tilwara promoted a sense of unity and patriotism. The year 2024 proved to be a noteworthy period for Sanskardhani as the Municipal Corporation embarked on an ambitious journey of urban transformation, earning accolades and elevating the city’s stature in multiple domains. Significant progress was made in city infrastructure, with substantial investments allocated for the construction of roads, drains, culverts and nullahs across the city.

 

These projects not only improved connectivity but also resolved issues related to water-logging, providing much-needed relief to the citizens. Likewise, rising main water pipelines were laid to enhance water distribution, while traditional wells, stepwells and tanks were cleaned to boost water conservation efforts. During the peak summer months, water tankers ensured an uninterrupted supply to areas facing scarcity, demonstrating the Municipal Corporation’s commitment to addressing critical challenges. In February, Jagat Bahadur Singh, elected as Mayor on a Congress ticket shifted commitment to the BJP, reshaping the political backdrop of the Municipal corporation. This defection not only changed the ruling party but also redefined the opposition’s role. Congress Corporator Amrish Mishra assumed the position of Leader of Opposition, replacing BJP’s Kamlesh Agrawal. The Mayor-in-Council faced operational challenges, functioning with only half its strength for most of the year. Although five members were hastily appointed during budget discussions. Congress Corporators convened a parallel House under Section 30 of the Municipal Corporation Act to protest issues such as sanitation, fund allocation and civic amenities. These protests highlighted citizen grievances and demanded accountability from the ruling party.

 

The issue of door-to-door garbage collection emerged as a contentious topic. Strikes by contractor employees disrupted waste management, leading to the cancellation of contract and issuance of fresh tenders to restore services. Despite these challenges, JMC achieved remarkable progress in city infrastructure and sustainability. Significant investments improved road connectivity, drainage systems and water conservation efforts, while uninterrupted water supply during peak summer months showcased the corporation’s proactive approach to citizen welfare. In waste management, Jabalpur earned a

 

Three-Star rating under the Swachh Bharat Mission and ranked 13th among million-plus cities in India under Swachh Survekshan. The establishment of three modern garbage transfer stations streamlined waste disposal and the installation of 5,000 LED lights enhanced urban aesthetics. Jabalpur also excelled in national rankings, securing top positions in categories such as ‘Beautiful Ward’, ‘Beautiful Waterfront’, and ‘Beautiful Heritage’. The city ranked second nationwide for improving air quality under the National Air Quality Index survey, achieving a perfect score of 100, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability. The JMC launched the Mayor Gurukul initiative, providing free education, arts, sports and entertainment opportunities to children. Activities such as air travel experiences and patriotic film screenings instilled civic pride among young residents. As JMC gears up for 2025, its ambitious plans include construction of an international cricket stadium and development of a 56-Bhog Market inspired by Indore’s food hub. Renovations of seven lakes and eight cremation grounds, along with the transformation of Asia’s largest Dumna Nature Park, aim to enhance Jabalpur’s appeal as a tourist destination. Other initiatives include establishment of 1,000 new jobs, 500 retail outlets, water harvesting systems and smart schools. The Mayor’s Helpline promises to streamline grievance redressal for responsive governance.