Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said improving the quality of life of people is the prime objective of his administration and reiterated his commitment of making the Union Territory a “fear-free, corruption-free society”.
Inaugurating a multi-level parking facility at Panjtirthi near the Raj Bhavan here, he also shared the vision of his administration for urban rejuvenation and the efforts being made to achieve three goals- sustainability, efficiency and creation of a vibrant society, an official press release informed.
To realise these goals, he underscored the significance of public participation in the development process and said “the power of Jan Bhagidari will shape the future of our socio-economic growth”.
However, at the same time, he said, there should be a balance of rights and duties of citizens to spur overall development with basic facilities, employment opportunities and maintenance of resources.
The LG also reiterated the administration’s commitment to fulfill the resolution of making Jammu and Kashmir “fear-free, corruption-free society”.
Dedicating the new parking facility to the people of Jammu, the LG said that the project under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) is part of the smart parking initiative using modern solutions to considerably reduce parking on roads and generate revenue for the city.
He said that it is high time for Urban Local Bodies to reinvent their economic base and fully utilize the assets to generate revenues and spur the local economy. Many under-utilised assets can generate employment, business opportunities with the engagement of the local community, he added.
Terming community involvement key to revitalize and rejuvenate the cities, the LG said “with the help of people we can create healthy cities, create incentives for Swachh Abhiyan, protect natural assets and strengthen transportation, water and utility infrastructure.”
The LG also said that there is a need to focus on the concept of augmented city for the development of urban areas.
“We have to add value to the potential of Jammu city, its tradition, heritage, culture, uniqueness and how it can grow economically,” he added.
The LG also highlighted the “unprecedented” work being done in Jammu and Kashmir in the last three years through people’s participation and proactive citizen-centric governance.
Last year, a record 3,506 projects were completed in district capex only in Jammu. This financial year’s budget of Jammu district capex has been increased to Rs 1,442 crore as compared to Rs 700 crore in the last financial year, it was informed.
The elevation of the main building has been kept depicting “Dogra Heritage & Culture” in blend with the architecture of the surrounding Heritage buildings. The facility will provide parking space for nearly 400 vehicles, significantly decongesting traffic in the adjoining area of Jammu city by reducing street parking.
Rajinder Sharma, Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, on the occasion appreciated the completion of the facility and said it shall ease the traffic situation in the area. He said that JMC is now focusing on solid waste management in addition to sanitation and enforcement activities.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Parliament, said that the new projects are driving the transformation of Jammu city. He complimented the UT administration for the unprecedented developmental activities.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary congratulated the people and officials for the newly inaugurated facility. He further urged Mayor JMC, elected councillors and officials to move towards creating Ward Shabhas to facilitate large scale involvement of people in decision making.
Meanwhile, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday extended greetings to all members of the armed forces and their families on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day.
In a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan here, Director Sainik Welfare Department, Brig (Retd) Gurmeet Singh Shan pinned the Armed Forces Flag on the jackets of the LG and Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta.
Paying tributes to the armed forces, Sinha said that the flag day is an opportunity for the countrymen to express their gratitude and show solidarity with the armed forces personnel.
“I salute the courage and dedication of our soldiers and acknowledge with gratitude their valour and service to our country,” Sinha said.
Sinha appealed to the people to contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day fund, set up for the welfare of soldiers, the ex-servicemen, and their families.
Brigadier Shan later briefed the LG on the initiatives taken up by the department for the welfare of veterans, ‘Veer Naris’, their dependents and the serving Armed Forces personnel.
