Development of Tawi river front: pilot project area to be extended

Nishikant Khajuria

JAMMU, Aug 31: The pilot project area under proposed development of Tawi River front on the pattern of Sabarmati River Front Development Project, is likely to be increased from 2.5 kms to more than three kilometers by extending both the ends beyond  fourth Tawi River bridge at Bhagwati Nagar and Gujjar Nagar bridge.
According to the authoritative sources, a decision in this regard was taken during successive high level review meetings regarding various aspects of the Tawi River Front Development Project on Tuesday and Wednesday followed by a visit of Tawi barrage site and other areas under the  pilot project.
Besides,  change in alignment of Tawi banks near barrage, shifting of proposed site of Sewage Treatment Plant near Ware House to downstream  of Bhagwati Nagar bridge and garlanding of piers  of all Tawi  bridges were  among other requisite measures listed for endurance of  the mega projects, sources added.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, who holds the portfolio of Housing and Urban Development Department, chaired yesterday’s review meeting, which was followed by another meeting of the top officers from all the stakeholder departments, including JDA, Jammu Municipal Corporation, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, R&B, UEED, Geological Survey of India,  Central Water Commission, Floriculture and the team from Sabarmati River Front Development Corporation Limited, which is  the Management Consultant for the project. Special provisions to accommodate the projected heavy flow of water during monsoons in Jammu and multiple safety measures to be employed as part of the plan, were main agendas of the meeting.
While elaborating, sources told the Excelsior that during the meeting, data presented by different departments was scientifically analyzed for detailed study vis-a-vis     hydrology  of Tawi river for the last 30 years.
After data analysis, the Management Consultant SRFDCL said that the alignment of the banks vis-à-vis barrage design should be in such a way for ensuring almost equal  distribution of water in Nikki as well as Main Tawi near Bhagwati Nagar. Presently river profile is such that maximum water is flowing through Nikki Tawi.
As Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Pawan Kotwal, who chaired today’s meeting, drew attention towards safety of  Jammu Airport runway in the wake of new alignment, a decision was taken to extend the Tawi river embankment 200-300 meters downstream from Bhagwati Nagar towards left bank of Tawi river, sources said.
Further, sources added, SRFDCL representatives explained that the Tawi embankment is also required to be extended from Gujjar Nagar bridge so that  upper part of the city may not be affected  during floods. Hence, the area under pilot project was increased from 2.5 kms ( Bhagwati Nagar bridge to   Gujjar Nagar bridge) to around 3 kms, sources said.
Since the channelization of a particular section is understood to increase velocity of flowing water, the SRFDCL underscored the need for garlanding of Tawi bridges’ piers by concrete blocks, sources said and added that shifting of proposed sewage treatment plant from  the identified site near  Ware House to downstream of Bhagwati Nagar bridge was also suggested for beautification and other utilization of the existing area.
According to the sources, the remaining data collected from other sources will be collected within two-three days and  Detailed project Report of Tawi River Front Development Project is likely to be prepared within a month.
It may be recalled that Jammu Development Authority (JDA) has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding   (MoU)  with the Project Consultant for development of  Jammu Tawi River Front Development Project, which is being taken up on PPP mode.
The Tawi River Front Development Project involves embankment on both sides of the Tawi with Diaphragm Walls, Anchor Slabs and Retaining Walls in the stipulated stretch on two levels. While the down level will be touching water thus giving a feel of the river,   the upward level will have walkways, parks, gardens and other facilities. The  development of Tawi River front on the pattern of Sabarmati River Front will be a major tourist attraction in the City of Temples and a step towards developing Jammu as independent tourist destination.

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