An MoU was signed today for development of Tawi river front here on the pattern of Sabarmati river of Ahmedabad.
The MoU was signed between Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Sabarmati River Front Development Corporation Ltd (SRFDCL).
Speaking on the occasion, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti pitched for a comprehensive conservation and restoration programme for the rivers and water bodies of the state.
She said the organisations having expertise in conservation of water bodies can be co-opted to provide technical assistance for the restoration of the water bodies in the state.
"The government is committed to preserve the state's precious water bodies and extricate these of pollution," the Chief Minister said.
She said that the restoration of Tawi front would add to the tourism potential of Jammu and would facilitate government's efforts to develop the winter capital as an independent tourism destination.
She expressed hope that the involvement of SRFDCL would help give an expert and new touch to the development of Tawi River Front as has been done in case of Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad.
The chief minister said that a similar initiative was taken by the then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 2002 for development of Jhelum Front and today Jhelum banks have become a scenic spot in Srinagar which otherwise had turned into den of anti-social activities.
"With a little effort and will and with the cooperation of the people, we can and have to safeguard the immense wealth of water resources," she said and added that while other states were struggling for even drinking water, fortunately, J&K has immense resources which need to be conserved for posterity.
The Chief Minister said there is no dearth of tourist destinations in Jammu and with its treasure trove of heritage sites the city will attract a huge footfall of tourists.
"The government will strategize and diversify activities for development of Jammu as an independent tourist destination for which a comprehensive plan has been drawn up," she said.
She said Jammu has other potential tourist destinations as well which can attract huge number of tourists.
She mentioned about Ranjit Sagar Dam in Basohli, Akhnoor Fort, Mughal Sarai in Rajouri, Patnitop, Surinsar, Mansar, Jai in Bhaderwah, Warwan in Kishtwar and Mantalai in Udhampur as places where all ongoing projects will be fast-tracked.
She said this will position Jammu as an emerging destination for inbound as well as foreign visitors.
