*Reviews implementation of Homestay Policy
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 10: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today visited Tawi Barrage and the Riverfront Development Project sites. The visit was part of a comprehensive assessment of major infrastructure projects under implementation along the Tawi River.
Accompanying the Chief Secretary during the visit were Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation and CEO Jammu Smart City Limited Dr Devansh Yadav, and Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr Rakesh Minhas, along with senior officers of the concerned departments and executing agencies.
During the field inspection, the Chief Secretary assessed the current status of both the barrage structures and chaired a detailed meeting on site to review project milestones. He was informed that all gates of the Tawi Barrage have been installed and are functional and that the hydro mechanical works have reached an advanced stage.
The officers also briefed the Chief Secretary about the ongoing rectification works necessitated by recent flood damages. The flood events had impacted some of the mechanical and civil components, for which restoration and reinforcement activities are presently underway.
The meeting also reviewed the Tawi Riverfront Development Project, which is progressing simultaneously on both the left and right banks of the river. The Chief Secretary stressed adherence to project timelines and emphasised the need for strict monitoring of execution schedules and quality standards. He directed the concerned departments to expedite works, particularly on the right bank. He reiterated that timely completion of both the barrage and riverfront components is essential for the integrated rejuvenation of the river corridor and the enhancement of Jammu’s urban landscape.
Officers apprised the Chief Secretary that the twin barrage system, covering both Nikki and Waddi Tawi channels, will enable better regulation of river flow, interception and diversion of multiple nallahs and creation of a controlled water body that will support the beautification and flood management components of the project. The project also aims to strengthen the city’s resilience against future flooding while providing recreational and tourism benefits to residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary chaired a high-level meeting to review and strengthen the implementation of the Homestay Policy of the Tourism Department, aimed at promoting community-based tourism and enhancing the accommodation capacity across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma; Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya; representatives from J&K Bank; and other senior officers of the Tourism Department.
During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of leveraging digital platforms to expand the reach and visibility of homestays across J&K. He directed the Department to enhance its presence on social media platforms and to integrate homestays with a dedicated online portal that facilitates real-time booking, detailed information on amenities, and provision for public feedback and ratings.
Emphasizing the need for financial support to promote homestay entrepreneurship, he urged J&K Bank to design and launch an exclusive loan product for homestay owners, modelled on the lines of housing loans and offered at a competitive rate of interest.
He also directed the Tourism Department to revisit and revise the existing guidelines in line with Government of India’s Homestay Policy, ensuring the inclusion of a transparent and credible grading system for registered establishments.
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