Initiative aimed at developing Jammu as vibrant recreational destination
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, June 3: In a move aimed at enhancing tourism and recreational activities during the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra season, a boating facility will be introduced at the Tawi Riverfront in Jammu district from June 29 to August 15.
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Earlier in January this year, a two-day free boating facility was provided to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) following the completion of the Artificial Lake, a key component of the Tawi Riverfront Development Project conceived during the then Omar Abdullah-led NC-Congress coalition Government in 2009.
Jammu Smart City Limited is the nodal agency and Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) implementing the riverfront project under the overall administrative control of the Jammu Municipal Corporation.
Official sources said the boating facility will operate on the left bank of the Tawi Riverfront from June 29 to August 15 to cater to the expected influx of pilgrims and tourists visiting Jammu during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra season.
The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
They said the 48-day programme forms part of ongoing efforts to develop the riverfront as a vibrant recreational destination and provide visitors with additional leisure options during one of the busiest tourism periods of the year.
According to official sources, boating services will remain available daily from 10 am to 6 pm. A minimum of 12 boats will be deployed for the facility, with each boat having a seating capacity of 8 persons, including the oarsman.
At least four of the boats will be motorized to ensure smooth operations and better visitor convenience. Pedal boats may also be introduced with suitable safety mechanisms.
The boats will be made of inflatable rubber, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) or other suitable user-friendly materials. Necessary safety arrangements and supporting infrastructure will be put in place to ensure secure and hassle-free operations throughout the event period.
Official sources said boating rides will be available at a ticket price of Rs 100 per person for each sortie for visitors above the age of 5 years, while children below 5 years will be allowed to avail the facility free of cost.
According to officials, the Jammu Smart City Limited expects a daily footfall of around 600-800 visitors during the Yatra season.
They added that the boating programme will be purely recreational in nature and intended only for joy rides, as competitive boating events or races will not be permitted.
The initiative is expected to further enhance the appeal of the Tawi Riverfront and strengthen Jammu’s tourism profile by offering visitors an additional recreational attraction during the peak pilgrimage season.
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