The address by the Lieutenant Governor at the ‘Tawi Aarti’ and ‘Baisakhi Mela’ at Tawi Riverfront in Jammu offers a compelling insight into the vision that the administration has for the city. The focus is to transform Jammu-not only into a smart city but also into a safe, green, inclusive, and future-ready urban space. This vision is aligned with the growing global emphasis on sustainable development and technological advancement, as cities evolve to meet the demands of their residents in an increasingly interconnected world.
The heart of this transformation is the Tawi Riverfront, a spiritual and cultural lifeline for Jammu. The Tawi Aarti, which marks the spiritual beginning of this new initiative, is symbolic of Jammu’s desire to reconnect with its ancient cultural traditions while moving toward modernity. The development of the Tawi Riverfront is expected to provide a beautiful and peaceful public space where locals and tourists alike can appreciate the natural environment, engage in recreational activities, and partake in spiritual observances. However, as LG highlighted, this ambitious project must be accompanied by rigorous efforts to reduce pollution and promote environmental responsibility. The city sewage nullahs are still being dumped, and JMC and JSCL have failed to come up with a solution. Clean water bodies and sustainable land management will be critical in ensuring that the Tawi Riverfront remains a healthy, thriving space for future generations.
Various projects reflect a strong commitment to urban modernisation. The transformation of key areas in the city, such as the Heritage Trail, Residency Road and Gandhi Nagar, showcases how urban spaces can be revitalised to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. These areas are being transformed into accessible, people-friendly spaces, which is central to the concept of a “smart city”.
However, a smart city is not merely about technological infrastructure-it is about creating a city that works for everyone. New footpaths have been built but visibly encroached upon. JMC and district administration have failed to protect pedestrian rights. Rules of law are being openly flouted, and the authorities remain mute spectators. The situation is worse in the old city. This is crucial because the success of such smart city initiatives hinges on the involvement and cooperation of the people. It requires individuals to take pride in their surroundings, engage with urban projects, and adhere to responsible practices.
Equally important is environmental sustainability. Projects like the creation of five hectares of green space at locations such as Panama Chowk and Balidan Stambh contribute not only to the aesthetic quality of the city but also to the health and well-being of its residents. By integrating parks and green areas, the administration is helping mitigate the adverse effects of urbanisation, such as pollution and the urban heat island effect. This is particularly important in the context of climate change.
The introduction of electric AC buses and the deployment of an Integrated Command and Control Centre and Intelligent Traffic Management System are pivotal to improving residents’ quality of life. These changes reflect a broader trend in urban planning, where cities are prioritising the development of public transportation systems that are both cleaner and safer.
While the vision for Jammu’s transformation is inspiring, there are several challenges that need to be addressed for these projects to be truly successful. Smart cities are often accused of inadvertently exacerbating social inequality, as not all citizens have equal access to digital tools and services. Ensuring that every resident, regardless of socioeconomic status, can benefit from these advancements is essential for the long-term success of the initiative.
Another significant challenge lies in maintaining the delicate balance between development and heritage preservation. The Government cannot achieve its vision alone. The residents of Jammu need to take pride in their city and actively contribute to its growth. Whether through participating in environmental initiatives, using public transportation, or maintaining the cleanliness of public spaces, citizen engagement will determine how well these projects take root in the community.
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