Aim is to wean away youngsters from addiction and mainstream them: LG
Lays foundation stone for Drug De-addiction Centre at Jammu
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday laid the foundation stone for the Drug De-addiction Centre at Jammu, which he said will act as an integrated centre where addicts will be treated, counseled, enabled to learn new productive skills, and rehabilitated with utmost care and affection.
“We are witnessing a worrisome trend of substance abuse. Our aim is to wean away youngsters from addiction and bring them into the mainstream of the society,” observed the LG.
According to an official press release, he said youth of J&K have immense potential and are achieving great heights in various fields. “A conspiracy is being hatched from across the border to push our youth into darkness through drugs,” the LG said.
“J&K government has intensified its efforts to fight narco-terrorism unleashed by neighbouring country,” said the LG.
“We have identified some high-risk districts which are being provided special attention to enhance community participation, public cooperation, and youth-led awareness campaigns to counter the menace of drug abuse,” the LG added.
He lauded the security forces, J&K Police, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, government departments and volunteers for working with commitment and determination to eliminate drug addiction from society.
“I urge the stakeholders, youth, educational institutions and NGOs to work as a team. We should be able to transform the drug de-addiction efforts of various stakeholders into a Jan-Andolan,” the LG said.
He suggested the involvement of youth clubs and women in campaigns to supplement the efforts against drug abuse.
Dilbag Singh, DGP J&K, while speaking on the occasion, said that the Drug De-addiction centre will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.27 cr under Jammu Smart City through J&K Police, which will play a greater role in rehabilitation of drug addicts in the region.
Every year, more than 6000 addicts are being treated in police Drug De-addiction centres, he added.
It was informed that the establishment of this centre has received funding under Smart City and CSR from the Airport Authority of India.
Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor, JMC termed drug abuse as one of the biggest challenges for the youth, and a serious threat to humanity. He called upon the people to initiate a change from their homes to address this serious issue.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Parliament appreciated the endeavours of the LG-led UT government to fight drug menace in J&K. He also underlined the need to spread mass awareness regarding drug de-addiction.
Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Dr Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Purnima Sharma, Deputy Mayor JMC; Devender Singh Rana, former legislator; Anshul Garg, DC Jammu representatives of ULB and PRIs, senior officials of police were present on the occasion.
LG lays foundation of Tawi riverfront development project in Jammu
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday laid the foundation of the Tawi riverfront development project here and said it would generate employment opportunities for local communities.
Observing that civilizations have prospered on the banks of rivers, the LG said “sustenance and rejuvenation of Tawi riverfront will create an economic engine for the holy city and generate employment opportunities for local communities.”
According to an official press release, he said planned urbanisation while respecting and restoring the delicate balance of nature can influence inclusive development. “Tawi riverfront will ensure proper infrastructure planning, unique business opportunities and enhance the quality of life of the citizens,” he said.
The LG said social and cultural infrastructure, state-of-the-art amenities along the waterfront, and projects to improve the 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,” he 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 in Gujarat.
The infrastructure would also include river plazas, promenades, parks, gardens, sports and entertainment venues, commercial and residential spaces that will transform Tawi as the center of economic engine of Jammu, an official spokesman said.
The LG also said 109 projects which were pending for years have been completed in Jammu division at a cost of Rs 455 crore, including 14 new bridges which have made connectivity easier.
“Infrastructure projects like Metro, Delhi-Katra-Amritsar Expressway, four-lane green field Jammu Ring Road, flyovers, industrial estates, strengthening of power sector and many others would bring prosperity to all,” he said.
The LG termed urban development a requisite for prosperity and growth of any region and called for active public participation in the development process.
“People’s participation 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,” he added.
The LG appreciated the efforts of Jammu Smart City Limited and its CEO, Avni Lavasa, and Principal Secretary, HUDD, Dheeraj Gupta, made towards the development of Tawi Riverfront.
The LG said that Tawi Riverfront development will also enhance the proper system of water supply, better sanitation facilities, and prevent pollution and waste in the river.
Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary, H&UDD, while speaking on the occasion briefed the gathering on the salient features of the Tawi Riverfront development project.
Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor, JMC said the ambitious project of Tawi Riverfront would make the Jammu city more beautiful and would be a major tourist attraction.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Parliament said that the Tawi Riverfront will take the tourism sector of Jammu to new heights.
AvnyLavasa, Commissioner JMC and CEO JSCL presented the vote of thanks.
Dilbag Singh, DGP; Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Dr Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Purnima Sharma, Deputy Mayor JMC; Anshul Garg, DC Jammu; public representatives; members of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce, besides other senior officers and citizens were present on the occasion.
