Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday conducted an on-site inspection of key projects here and said their completion would help in boosting tourism in the winter capital.
During the hours-long tour, Sinha reviewed the ongoing construction of Jambu Zoo, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, and the Tawi riverfront project (artificial lake).
“There is satisfactory progress on these vital projects, which, on completion, will fulfill the aspirations of the people of Jammu. These projects will boost tourism in Jammu and the footfall of tourists from outside will increase the economic activities and income of people,” Sinha told reporters.
Asked whether the temple will open around the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, he quipped, “I do not think there is a need to link the two. I was told that the temple will be set up by the end of June.”
An official spokesman said the LG laid emphasis on the timely completion of the three projects.
Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary in the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, briefed LG Sinha on the progress of Jambu Zoo, coming up in the Nagrota area on the outskirts of the city.
“A high-level team of Central Zoo Authority will be visiting for the final inspection this month and the entire process will be completed within the stipulated time,” Gupta said.
During his visit to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple site along Sidhra bypass, the LG interacted with the temple officials and asked them to start the construction of a gurukul and a health center simultaneously.
Later, he inspected the Tawi riverfront project site, which envisages reducing erosion and flooding and providing socio-cultural amenities for sustainable development of the city, the spokesman said.
Sinha said the riverfront will ensure urban infrastructure sustainability.
“Once completed, the project will provide unique business opportunities and help in overall social upliftment. With social infrastructure and recreation facilities, Tawi riverfront will enhance the quality of life of the citizens,” he said.
Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner Rahul Yadav gave a detailed presentation on the ongoing projects.
Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the LG; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, and other senior officials accompanied the LG during his visits.
