Shah Aijaz CNI

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conducted an extensive inspection of the ongoing Tawi Riverfront Development Project in Jammu, a flagship initiative under Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL). Hailing it as a transformative step in the city’s urban evolution, the Chief Minister emphasized that the project will redefine Jammu’s landscape, boost tourism, generate employment, and provide clean, green public spaces while prioritizing sustainable development and flood resilience.

The project, which focuses on revitalizing the banks of the Tawi River, integrates flood protection with recreational and commercial infrastructure. Phase I, spanning 2.7 kilometers from Bhagwati Nagar Barrage to Bikram Chowk Bridge, is nearing completion, with over 97% of the construction work (Part-A) finished. The full completion of Phase I is targeted for September 2025. Key features include multi-tiered promenades, a central island, flood mitigation infrastructure like diaphragm and retaining walls, pier protection for bridges, a central business and recreational zone, and interceptor drains to divert polluted nallahs from the river.

The Chief Minister reviewed the monetization strategy prepared by CBRE, which will support the expansion of the riverfront from Tawi Bridge to Sidhra Bridge in future phases. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and urged officials to adhere strictly to quality standards and timelines while ensuring sustainability and public convenience. The project, with a budget of over Rs 530 crore, is modeled after Gujarat’s Sabarmati Riverfront and aims to enhance Jammu’s tourism potential alongside other completed initiatives like Jambu Zoo and the Tirumala Tirupati Temple.

Abdullah highlighted the project’s dual focus on ecological and economic benefits, stating it will create sustainable commercial real estate, including green buildings, parks, sports zones, and cultural plazas. The coordinated efforts of JSCL, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), and the Jal Shakti Department were appreciated during the inspection, which was attended by key officials, including Commissioner JMC and CEO JSCL Devansh Yadav.

However, environmental concerns have been raised by groups and local activists, who argue that the project prioritizes commercialization and concretization, potentially harming the river’s ecosystem. Critics note the lack of a public Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environment Clearance (EC) as per National Mission for Clean Ganga guidelines, alongside ongoing issues like pollution and riverbed mining.

Despite these concerns, the Tawi Riverfront Project is poised to transform Jammu into a vibrant urban hub, with completion of Phase I expected by April 2025, as per recent updates, and plans for a township in Phase II to further elevate the region’s appeal.