Laying the foundation stone for the Tawi Riverfront Development Project on Saturday, Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said planned urbanisation while respecting and restoring the delicate balance of nature can promote inclusive development more efficiently and effectively.
The Lt Governor said that 109 projects that have been pending for years have been completed in the Jammu division at a cost of Rs.455 crore, including 14 new bridges which have made connectivity easier. Infrastructural projects like the Metro, the Delhi-Katra-Amritsar Expressway, the four-lane green field Jammu Ring Road, flyovers, industrial estates, strengthening of the power sector and many others would bring prosperity for all.
Observing that historically civilisations have prospered on the banks of rivers, Sinha said that the “Sustenance and rejuvenation of the Tawi riverfront will create not only an economic engine for the holy city, but also generate employment opportunities for local communities."
“The Tawi riverfront will ensure proper infrastructure planning, unique business opportunity and enhance the quality of life of the citizens,” he added.
Lt Governor Sinha further said that the social and cultural infrastructure, state-of-the-art amenities along the waterfront and projects to improve water quality will create a world-class model of urban excellence in Jammu.
"Our aim is to create a vibrant riverfront that will become one of the most popular bucket list destinations for people," Sinha said.
In the first phase, embankments, interceptor drains, sewerage treatment plants, cycling track, jogging track, walkways, green spaces and other wayside amenities would be developed. The complete project is prepared on the lines of the Sabarmati Riverfront. The infrastructure will include river plazas, promenades, parks, gardens, sports and entertainment venues, commercial and residential spaces that will transform Tawi into the economic engine of Jammu.
“Jan-Bhagidari should decide how we want to drive the engine of economic growth, how we want to develop infrastructure, how we want to improve the basic facilities and improve the standard of living of the common people,” Sinha said.
Appreciating the efforts of Jammu Smart City Limited and its CEO, Ms. Avni Lavasa, besides Principal Secretary (H & UDD), Dheeraj Gupta, in developing the Tawi Riverfront, the Lt Governor said that Tawi Riverfront Development will also enhance proper system of water supply, better sanitation facilities, and prevent pollution and waste in the river.
Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary (H & UDD), briefed the gathering on the project's salient features.
Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, said that the Tawi Riverfront would make Jammu city more beautiful and a major tourist attraction.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament, said the Tawi Riverfront will take Jammu's tourism sector to new heights.
Avny Lavasa, Commissioner JMC and CEO JSCL, delivered the vote of thanks.
Dilbag Singh, J & K DGP; Mukesh Singh, Additional DGP (Jammu), Dr Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner (Jammu), Purnima Sharma, Deputy Mayor of JMC, Anshul Garg, Jammu DC, representatives and members of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce, besides other senior officers and citizens were also present on the occasion.