Reiterating the government’s commitment to develop Jammu as one of the model and modern cities of the country, the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today said the initiatives undertaken by the government are leaving tangible impact on the ground and these would transform the housing and urban sector of the winter capital.The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing a gathering at Peer Kho after inaugurating and laying foundation of several developmental projects here today.He was accompanied by MLA East, Mr Rajesh Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Mr Hridesh Kumar, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Mr Manmohan Singh and other senior officers.The projects dedicated to the public by the Deputy Chief Minister include Shopping Complex at Shaheedi Chowk constructed at a cost of Rs 2.47 crore having 12 shops, 8 halls and basement parking. He also laid the foundation of pedestrian walkway along River Tawi from Peer Kho to PHE Station Jammu coming up at an estimated cost of Rs 5.07 crore, which would add to the aesthetics of the Peer Kho Park.
He also laid foundation of construction and improvement of Nallah on back side of Science College under AMMRUT at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore to improve the drainage of the area.Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister handed over the new machinery worth Rs 5 crore meant to augment the sanitation facilities of the Jammu Municipal Corporation to JMC which include Mobile Toilet Vans, Sump Tanks, Hoppers, Road Sweeping machines, JCBs etc.Dr Singh urged the people to exhibit participatory role in the developmental activities maintaining that it would ensure that the schemes are fast-paced and completed within the stipulated timeline. He said the necessary instructions have already been passed to finish the projects within the stipulated time thereby also preventing the cost escalation.The Deputy Chief Minister while referring to the major initiatives being taken for developing the Jammu city by the present government said that the Rs 200 crore have been earmarked for the construction of the prestigious projects which would be besides a multi-level parking at B C Road to ease out the congestion of traffic there, besides providing parking facility to the people living in the catchment areas, two similar kinds of parking projects are also underway at Super Bazaar and Panjtirthi.
“Work is also underway on the prestigious Tawi River Front Development Project, besides Maharaja Hari Singh Park which would be having the requisite recreational facilities besides, the provision of having reading rooms, book shops and other related facilities”, the deputy chief minister said and added in tourism sector Rs 280 crore have already been allocated to promote tourism in the region which also includes Rs 60 crore for Jammu Cable Car projects.“Rs 10 crore project having the Provision of light and sound shows in the historic Bahu Fort and other related things is also coming up. Renovation of the historic Mubarak Mandi which would also come up as one of the major tourist attractions in the Jammu city is also underway. These initiatives would boost the tourism sector and related activities in the Jammu division," Dr Singh added.MLA, Mr Rajesh Gupta while speaking on the occasion enumerated the several initiatives taken by the government for development of the Jammu city. He said the present government has ensured need based development with special emphasis on completion of projects within the stipulated time lines.He also announced an auditorium for the Peer Kho area out of his constituency development fund.