Multi-level parking facility inaugurated at Panjtirthi
STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir 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.
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”.
Calls for completing ongoing conservation projects within set timeframe
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired the Governing Body meeting of Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society, here.
The meeting discussed several important matters pertaining to the restoration of Mubarak Mandi complex and speedy execution of works and projects.
The Lt Governor directed officials to take every possible measure to ensure ongoing conservation projects are completed within the set timeframe. Observing that our heritage is not only our identity but it also connects our past to future generations, the Lt Governor said, Mubarak Mandi is a symbol of our inherited traditions and priceless social values. Conservation efforts must reflect its true historical, artistic and aesthetic values.
The Lt Governor advised the officers to work in the integrated manner with top conservation experts, engineering and Institutions for strengthening of hill along circular road below the Mubarak Mandi Area.
The meeting also decided for establishing a Project Management Unit within two months. The chair was also apprised about various activities organised by the Heritage Society in the Mubarak Mandi Complex.
Directions were issued to officials to fully utilise the four buildings restored in the heritage complex, besides ensuring that nobody is allowed near the delicate structure that are undergoing restoration.
The Lt Governor also sought the status of works being undertaken by Archaeological Survey of India.
Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department; Sarmad Hafeez, Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Dr Piyush Singla, Secretary, GAD; Avny Lavasa, DC Jammu; Deepika K Sharma, Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society, besides other concerned officers were present on the occasion.
However, he said at the same time there should be a balance of rights and duties of citizens to spur overall development with basic facilities, employment opportunities and maintenance of resources.
Dedicating the new parking facility to the people of Jammu, the Lt Governor 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.
Terming Community involvement key to revitalize and rejuvenate the cities, the Lt Governor 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.
He said that it is high time for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) 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 engagement of local community, Sinha added.
Sinha further observed 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 Lt Governor 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 3506 projects were completed in district capex only in Jammu. This financial year’s budget of Jammu district capex has been increased to Rs 1442 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 and 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 Multi Level Parking and observed that the facility shall ease the traffic situation in the area. He further said that JMC is now focussing 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.
Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary, H&UDD; Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Vikramjit Singh, IGP Traffic, J&K; Avny Lavasa, DC Jammu; Rahul Yadav, Commissioner JMC, besides corporators of JMC, general public and officers of UT administration were present on the occasion.
