STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI) Jammu met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday to discuss various issues concerning the region’s development.
Arun Gupta, President of the Chamber urged the Chief Minister to expedite the beautification work of the Tawi River banks and the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, which have been progressing slowly.
He also proposed the rejuvenation of the Patnitop Development Authority, aiming to develop Patnitop into a tourist hub by allowing commercial activities and constructing 5-star hotels.
Addressing the region’s religious tourism potential, Gupta requested the government to promote the religious tourist circuit in Jammu, encompassing significant sites such as Mata Vaishno Devi, Raghunath Mandir, Shivkhori, and others.
He also suggested the development of untapped tourist spots in areas like Poonch, Rajouri, Bani, Bhaderwah, and Sanasar.
Gupta further raised concerns about pending issues, including the execution of allotments at Shiv Market Railway Station and the expiration of lease deeds at Sabzi Mandi and Fruit Mandi Narwal. He requested the renewal of these deeds with minimal premium charges and the expedited execution of lease deeds for some commercial properties in Bahu Plaza.
Gupta also highlighted the challenges faced by the residents of Gandhi Nagar Housing Colony, where the original owners’ descendants face difficulties in transferring plots due to bureaucratic delays.
He proposed that NOCs from the JDA and Housing Board should not be required for construction purposes on freehold properties.
The delegation discussed the need for improved infrastructure, including the removal of damaged water pipes and the installation of new ones for potable water. Gupta also called for a power amnesty scheme for commercial consumers and raised concerns over inflated power bills due to faulty smart meters.
Other issues discussed included relocation of businesses affected by construction projects like the Kunjwani-Satwari flyover and the Jammu-Akhnoor road widening, and challenges faced by flour millers due to high mandi fees and insufficient local wheat production.
The delegation was accompanied by senior members of the Chamber, including Anil Gupta, Rajeev Gupta, Manish Gupta, and Rajesh Gupta.
