G20 event in J&K will send message across world, increase tourism, investments in UT: LG

Dedicates Jhelum Rajbagh Riverfront to public

STATE TIMES NEWS

SRINAGAR: The success of the upcoming tourism working group meeting of the G-20 countries will result in an increase in the influx of tourists and investments in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday.
The three-day meeting beginning May 22 is slated to be held in the summer capital.
All arrangements have been put in place with the cooperation of the people of the union territory, Sinha said after inaugurating the six-km stretch of the Jhelum River Front at Rajbagh.
The preparations have been done for the event by the administration and people of J&K, he said, adding that the masses have lent their cooperation in a huge way.
The LG expressed hope that the administration with the cooperation of the people will put up a grand show “the success of which will send a message across the world”.
“It will result in increase in tourism and investments in the days to come, and the whole world will get to see the traditional hospitality of Kashmir,” Sinha said.
We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing J&K UT with this great opportunity, he said.
“Srinagar Smart City has transformed the Rajbagh Riverfront stretch into a world-class public space and strengthened the river-people connect. It is also a strong indicator of the rapid growth of J&K,” said the Lt Governor.
At the inauguration event, the Lt Governor congratulated the people for the majestic waterfront. “Jhelum Rajbagh riverfront is a model of urban excellence and it will enhance the quality of life of the citizens, contribute to socio-economic growth and provide much needed support in developing cultural & business infrastructure,” the Lt Governor said.
We are developing smart infrastructure that will preserve the cultural heritage and also unlock the huge untapped potential of the river, he added.
Interacting with the media persons, the Lt Governor lauded the efforts of Srinagar Smart City Limited for developing the 6 km-long stretch of the Rajbagh Riverfront into a world class public space with facilities like walkways, cycling, green space, free wifi, universal access and numerous activities along the way. In the near future, a library and cafe will also be developed. The work on other side of the river will start soon, he added.
Srinagar city evolved and flourished around the water bodies, which contributed to the prosperity of society, local economy and the culture. However, due to neglect and degradation over the period of time, the restoration of this priceless heritage was need of the hour and I am sure it will contribute to living standards of people and boost the local economy, he further added.
Athar Amir Khan, Commissioner SMC and CEO Srinagar Smart City briefed the Lt Governor on the key features of the project.
The Jhelum Riverfront has been envisaged as a continuous walking and cycling promenade along with parks, and public plazas equipped with public amenities like sanitation, seating spaces, and high-quality lighting. Besides, Srinagar Smart City Limited has also taken up the project of water-transport and Jhelum cruise for the purpose of both public transport and leisure, it was informed.
Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; RK Goyal, ACS, Home Department; Shaleen Kabra, Financial Commissioner Revenue; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, senior officials and prominent citizens were present.