JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various Jammu Smart City Projects worth around Rs 97 crore.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor said that these projects, tapping the vast potential and liveliness of Jammu city will strengthen the infrastructure and improve the quality of life.
The government is committed to transforming urban infrastructure, making cities sustainable, people-friendly, modern and aesthetically more beautiful. Jammu Smart City envisages development using modern technology, which is not only futuristic but also retains the invaluable heritage of this City of Temples, the Lt Governor added.
The projects that were inaugurated by the Lt Governor included Smart Public Bicycle Sharing Service and Smart Façade Lighting for Tawi Bridges having combined cost of Rs 14.06 crore. The Lt Governor laid the foundation stones for projects costing Rs 83.05 crore included Apsara Road and adjoining area development, and improvement of 23 important road junctions.
The Lt Governor observed that in J&K the development projects are being implemented at an unprecedented pace. Jammu and Srinagar cities will have air conditioned e-busses by October this year and soon our smart cities will also have Metro projects. H&UD Department would implement the project for development of housing & residential areas which will further accentuate J&K’s economy and provide affordable Housing solutions to common man, he said.
The Lt Governor set the timelines for the projects under Smart City and directed the concerned officers and agencies to adhere to the specified targets.
Elaborating on the Smart City Project, the Lt Governor said efforts are underway to make public places more friendly to people and to make the system of roads & transport better, smarter. After the completion of these projects, better facilities will be available to the people in the city of temples.
It is our commitment that strong infrastructure and services will be developed under Smart city, and the foundation for the overall development of Jammu city will be laid, the Lt Governor reiterated.
The Lt Governor underscored that the redevelopment of 23 junctions of the city including Satwari, Shakuntala, Karan Nagar, Panama Chowk junction etc. to be done at a cost of Rs 31.55 crore, would provide better street lights, footpaths, police shelters, water ATMs, bus stands and other public amenities to people.
It was informed that a complete modern development of Apsara Road and adjoining roads will be done at a cost of Rs.51.50 crores, that would revamp 13.64 km of outer road and 5.3 km of inner road, public amenities, drainage system and better footpaths for pedestrians.
On the sidelines of the event, the Lt Governor said Terrorism was deep rooted in J&K for long and there was a period when massacre took place and no FIR was registered.
“That Scenario has changed now. Neighboring country is trying to create unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. Don’t touch the innocent and do not spare the guilty is our policy,” the Lt Governor said.
“People should not be misled by those who are conspiring against the peace and harmony. Do not fall prey to their nefarious conspiracy. They want to destroy the unity and integrity of the country, and want to deepen the roots of terrorism here again,” Lt Governor added.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Parliament expressed gratitude towards Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for removing discrimination with Jammu Division that was prevalent before the abrogation of Art 370. There is no doubt that Jammu Kashmir is witnessing immense change of development and growth, he said.
Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor Jammu while speaking on the occasion said that Jammu Division is witnessing many development works. People are seeing balanced and holistic development of both regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary while speaking on the occasion said that today’s inaugurations and foundation laying is yet another step in the transformation of Jammu into a modern and self sustainable city. Soon Jammu City would expand and incorporate in it the adjoining areas like Akhnoor and Surinsar. Jammu Kashmir is witnessing immense change with increase in number of development projects being completed each year as compared to earlier, he added.
In his welcome address Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development gave the details of different projects of Jammu Smart City that are completed and are ongoing for socio-economic development, besides enhancing public facilities and conveniences. Rahul Yadav, Jammu Municipal Commissioner presented the vote of thanks.
Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar; Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Purnima Sharma, Deputy Mayor JMC; Avny Lavasa, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, besides other senior officers from the administration and executing agencies, besides PRI Members, JMC Corporators, local businessmen, traders and citizens were present on the occasion.
