Priya notices dilapidated condition of Tawi Front Park, orders cancellation of contract

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 3: Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi today asked the officials of Tourism Department and Jammu Development Authority to put a workable plan in place to upgrade and revive River Tawi Front Park that was inaugurated and dedicated to people by late Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in December 2015.
Once developed and properly maintained this important park which is an attractive asset of Jammu will increase tourist footfall, she added.
During her tour to the River Tawi Front Park this morning, the Minister found it in dilapidated condition and also issued on spot directions to the officials to cancel contract of private firm which has failed to upkeep the glory of Rs 5.50 crore park developed in about 25 Kanals of reclaimed land that was transferred by I&FC Department to Tourism Department. Director Tourism Smita Sethi,Director Floriculture Babila Rakwal, Vice Chairman JDA Rajesh Sharvan and  other officials  also accompanied the Minister.
Priya Sethi said that this park is of utmost importance and an attractive asset of Jammu City that can increase tourism footfall and also cater to local population especially children and walkers. ‘Keeping in view the sentiments of people of Jammu and their apprehension that direct trains to Katra might hamper their business activities, the Government intends to develop more such sites to attract tourists and make them stay put in town for some more time. This will not only add to economy but also keep the city live’, she asserted.
After going around the park, the Minister observed that swings installed for children were damaged, park ill maintained and walkway dilapidated. She asked the tourism officials to prepare a workable plan wherein small kiosks for eatables will be constructed for encouraging footfall of visitors, swings repaired and park developed on most modern lines.
“The Government is also working to preserve rich heritage sites, historic temples and monuments in Jammu which have their own significance. By work on Mubarak Mandi Complex is going on at fast pace, and once this heritage treasure that has a huge potential to attract art lovers both from within and outside the country is restored we will be able to make a mark and create history”, she added.

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