Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh reviewed the progress of various mega development projects being implemented in Jammu at a high level meeting convened here today.Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Hirdesh Kumar, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) M. Raju, Director Urban Local Bodies Jammu, Sushma Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director J&K Housing Board Corporation Manmohan Singh, Vice Chairman, Jammu Development Authority Rajesh Shavan, Joint Director (P&S) Hari Har Dutt, Chief Engineer UEED, Chief Architect Jammu, Chief Town Planner besides other senior officers and engineers of concerned departments were present in the meeting.The Deputy Chief Minister, while taking stock of the status of several development projects in the region, had a detailed review on the progress on modernization cum Development of Multi-tier Parking at General Bus stand Jammu, Tawi River Front Development Project, Maharaja Hari Singh Ji Memorial Park, Multi level car Parking in front of Maharaja Hari Singh ji Park, Jammu Habitat Centre, IT cum Commercial Plaza at Birpur, New Housing colonies, Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT programme etcetera.
Regarding modernization of General Bus Stand, the meeting was informed that the construction work of foundation and columns in all four zones of the complex is in progress and Rs 10.39 crore have been spent till August 2017. The construction work of the complex is expected to be completed by October 2018.Dr. Singh, while reviewing implementation of various projects being undertaken under AMRUT programme, directed for timely and quality completion of these works so that the purpose of launching these vital projects is met.While reviewing the progress on Housing Board Corporation, the Deputy Chief Minister was informed that 121671 beneficiaries have been identified for 25 cities and towns of the state to be covered in Phase-I. The verification and DPR formation of Phase-I is targeted to be completed by March 31st, 2018.Dr. Singh also asked for undertaking necessary measures for making the Housing for All (HAL) a big success. He said that the scheme promises dwelling units for the urban poor by providing them affordable housing facilities within the city limits and it has been a game changer in various states of the country.
The Deputy Chief Minister further directed MD Housing Board Corporation to conduct survey and prepare a comprehensive plan for establishment of new colonies at district and tehsil levels which would have common facility centre, parking area, proper road; water & electricity connections and other facilities so that the people could be facilitated with a safe and comfortable stay.
Regarding Maharaja Singh ji Memorial Park, the meeting was informed that work of earth filling, plantation, turfing, flower beds besides construction work of coffee house cum library cum family corner has been completed and the remaining work is in progress. The Deputy Chief Minister asked the VC JDA to purchase books and other infrastructure for the library so that it can be opened for the public at the earliest.
Regarding development of Tawi River Front, the meeting was informed that a 3.5 km of the total 10 km length is being taken up for development in the first phase which envisages construction of protection works, water treatment plants, development of reclaimed land into recreational areas and development of tourist facilities along the banks of the River Tawi.Nirmal Singh stressed on fast tracking the implementation of the project in order to achieve the project objectives within the set timelines.
Regarding the progress on Smart City project in Jammu, the Deputy Chief Minister asked the officials to prioritise works after proper assessment of the need and requirement of the project. He directed the concerned departments to work on fast track mode to ensure that the prestigious project gets completed in time and the people here could enjoy a quality living.While asking for taking effective measures for successful implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), the Deputy Chief Minister said that the officers should ensure that every town of the region is declared as Open Defecation Free (ODF) by December 2017.The Deputy Chief Minister called for expediting work on all the key projects so that these are completed within the set time-frame. “Our focus has to be on expediting development works, ensuring good governance and providing a corruption-free administration", he asserted adding that we all have to work collectively in this regard.