Jammu, Apr 14: On the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dedicated Tawi Riverfront Project (Phase-I), developed at a cost of Rs 156 crore, to the public.
In Phase-1 of Tawi Riverfront Project, Jammu Smart City Limited has developed promenades on the left bank, right bank, and the central island, creating four continuous stretches for walking, jogging, and cycling.
A dedicated ghat area has also been developed for the sacred Tawi Aarti.
“Our vision is to create inclusive, accessible, and enriching spaces for every citizen. The Tawi Riverfront embodies this ethos with a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, where development harmonises with nature,” LG Sinha said attending the three-day long Tawi Mahotsav, organised by Jammu Smart City Limited, where he joined the citizens for the Tawi Aarti, and launched a series of transformative urban initiatives aimed at elevating the overall environment of the Tawi riverfont and the surrounding area.
On the occasion, he laid the foundation stone for 4-lane connecting road to the right bank with a bridge to decongest a critical stretch of city and directly connect Bhagwati Nagar rotary with Jewel Chowk.
The LG also launched the development of green spaces along the top promenade of the left bank.
He said that the 1-km stretch will transform Tawi Riverfront into an ideal urban space and a vibrant hotspot for residents and tourists.
LG Sinha said under the Urban Challenge Fund, two major initiatives were being taken up: real estate monetisation of Phase-I and the extension of the riverfront from Bikram Chowk Bridge to Har Ki Paudi.
He said that these initiatives would play a pivotal role in transforming the Tawi riverfront into a vibrant tourist destination, a premier recreational hub, and a dynamic economic centre.
The LG said that culture holds that cities along rivers retain even the winds infused with timeless values.
“Jammu embodies this truth. This ancient temple town is the heart of spirituality, culture and a living metaphor. For millennia, this land has beckoned saints, philosophers, and artists, enriching itself with their cultural and spiritual legacies. Over the past five-six years, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, we have strived to amplify Jammu’s grandeur and cultural consciousness,” he said.
LG Sinha said that culture thrives only when lived and passed to the next generation through its values.
“Those who built this city did not build it for themselves alone. They built it with confidence and trust that those who followed would understand and honor this priceless inheritance. The measure of a life is not what you gathered, but what you gave. Not what society offered you, but what you returned to it,” he said.
The LG also administered the anti-drug pledge to the citizens and felicitated the winners of the traditional dangal.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Sat Sharma, Member of Parliament and President, Bharatiya Janata Party, J&K; Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports; Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Devansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu and CEO Jammu Smart City Limited and senior officials were present.
Members of Legislative Assembly Yudhvir Sethi, Arvind Gupta, Vikram Randhawa and Surinder Bhagat; Rajesh Gupta; President Vishwa Hindu Parishad (J&K and Ladakh) also attended the Tawi Mahotsav.
