Reorientation of system at administrative level done successfully: Mayor

Apart from Rs. 211.78 lakh of Smart City funds, JMC spends record Rs. 10740.32 lakh on development works in 2022-23

‘Many projects complete; oceanarium at Bagh-e-Bahu, telescope at Mahamaya Mata temple underway’

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The Mayor of Jammu City, Rajinder Sharma has informed that during his short tenure of taking over as the helmsman at the Urban Local Body, reorientation of the system at administrative level has been done successfully with intensified activities of development in the city for the benefit and welfare of the people.
Addressing a press conference of selected media houses, the Mayor informed that in the financial year 2022-23, of the available Rs. 261.50 lakh, more than Rs. 211.78 lakh of Smart City Funds were spent on developmental activities in Jammu.
Similarly, As far as CAPEX budget is concerned, of the available Rs. 13609.27 lakh, Rs. 10740.32 lakh were spent of which Rs. 6975.94 lakh was given to JMC as financial assistance, Rs. 330.55 lakh was given to drainage sector, CCDP got Rs. 1756.21 lakh and city grants Rs. 4546.57 lakh.
The Mayor said that in CAPEX 35 lakh were given to each of the 75 Wards of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) while estimates for another Rs. 65 lakh to be given to these Wards was underway and for macdamization work funds worth Rs. 50 lakh are also being thought to cover the major and other roads in each Ward where ever macdamization is required on road with width more than 5.5 meter while the funds worth Rs. 65 lakh may cover the roads with width less than 5.5 metre in each of the JMC Ward.
“Apart from all this funds worth Rs. 1.5 crore worth more are under plan to augment developmental activities in each JMC Ward,” Mayor Sharma told reporters.
It is pertinent to mention here that earlier a meagre amount of Rs. 10 lakh was spent on each Ward for developmental activities.
The Mayor said that among the major projects going on in the City are that of Tawi River Front for beautification of the banks of the river, Bahu Fort road widening work and construction of footpath from below to the Fort Shrine, construction of improved drainage system there and installation of lights there.
He said that laser show has been started at Bahu Fort while fish aquarium is already existing there along with a Musical Fountain but Open Theatre has now been made there.
“Apart from all this an Oceanarium worth Rs. 19.5 crore is under-construction there and Jammu view is attracting people in large number at Bahu Fort,” the Mayor maintained adding: “A big park and gondola already exists there while stairs are being constructed there and work is on for parking place and a park outside Balidan Stambh stands complete and all this is a big network in itself to visit which within a day is now tough thing.”
Rajinder Sharma further informed that a telescope shall be fixed at Mahamaya Mata Temple work on which has been started.
“In Tallab Tillo area road widening work is going on with the canal being made of concrete and the temples which came in place of the project are being shifted and when completed it will be a unique thing in itself. Similarly when developments were started in Gujarat, about 302 religious places were shifted,” he continued.
Sharma also said that on Bus Stand Road JMC made speed breakers, footpath and reconstructed a Nallah, installed lights and fixed canopies.
“Panjtirthi parking is now open for public and Bahu Fort parking is also properly functioning and a park is also made at Bahu Fort area. Apart from all this, new footpaths are being constructed in the entire city, Tiranga lights have been installed at Tawi Bridge and other places,” the Mayor said. He informed that Maharaja Hari Singh statue has also been redeveloped near Tawi bridge, Integrated Information Command and Control Centre has been made, smart traffic lights and cameras have also been installed in the city and rotaries are been redeveloped and ponds rejuvenated.
He said that at Manda Morning Walkers Track sitting arrangement have been improved and sheds fixed.