Rajan Gandhi
Certain foundational parameters must be meticulously maintained for any city to thrive. These include robust sanitation systems, efficient waste management, comprehensive sewage treatment, stringent anti-encroachment measures, expansive green spaces, and well-planned urban development. Once constrained to the stretch from Mubarak Mandi to Gumat Gate, Jammu city has now expanded significantly across its length and breadth. While modernising the historic core of the city poses formidable challenges, it is not insurmountable with strategic planning.
Fortuitously, Jammu has been included in the Smart City Mission, an initiative aimed at urban transformation. A Special Purpose Vehicle was constituted to design and implement Smart City projects, with the JMC Commissioner aptly designated as the Director and CEO of Jammu Smart City Limited. The urban landscape of Jammu is undergoing a noticeable metamorphosis. Initially, progress was imperceptible, but the recent execution of projects is aligning with the envisioned plans. Jammu Municipal Corporation has played a pivotal role in this transformation, particularly in enhancing sanitation standards. While challenges persist, incremental improvements are evident. The ambitious task of revitalising the old city, the nucleus of civic and economic activities, remains a monumental endeavour. Hosting critical infrastructures such as the bus stand, GMC, hospitals, and key administrative offices, including those of the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, the old city demands focused intervention.
JMC’s phased approach to upgrading essential infrastructure, such as drains, footpaths, and roads is yielding discernible results. Covered drains have mitigated the recurrent issue of blockages, while the overall civic infrastructure has witnessed notable enhancement. The proactive leadership of the incumbent JMC Commissioner, who frequently conducts field visits to assess ground realities, has expedited tangible improvements. Efforts to eradicate widespread encroachments across Jammu continue, despite the herculean nature of the task and resistance from various quarters, including political factions. Undeterred, JMC persists in its mission to uphold urban order, demonstrating commendable resolve in the face of daunting challenges.
Jammu stands at a pivotal point of urban transformation, yet despite some laudable progress, critical issues handled by the JMC underscore the need for swift and decisive policy reforms. The envisioned decongestion, especially within the historic quarters, remains largely unrealized. While several plans propose shifting Government offices out of the old city to repurpose these spaces for parks, parking, and public utilities, these ambitions are yet to materialize. The old city remains crammed to the brim, and a lack of execution threatens to stifle any meaningful change. Relaying of much wider concealed drains and footpaths has changed the outlook of the entire city. JMC has increased the frequency of street cleaning and waste collection, ensuring that the city stays litter-free. Dedicated teams have been established to clean public areas, parks, and marketplaces, and these teams are deployed with advanced cleaning equipment, including road-sweeping machines and litter-picking tools. By implementing innovative sanitation methods and bringing awareness to the residents, JMC is effectively addressing issues related to cleanliness. Furthermore, the corporation is leveraging digital tools and social media to encourage citizens to report unclean areas, illegal dumping, or any sanitation-related issues.
However, the widening of footpaths in some key market areas has resulted in traffic chaos. Though the desired purpose of widened footpaths is to provide ample pedestrian space, these footpaths have been openly encroached upon, especially in old city. Shopkeepers must understand that for any market to have successful business footfall, there should be a sense of discipline and ample le space. Although JMC’s efforts to cover the open canal along the Tallab Tillo stretch have created much-needed pedestrian space, this success has not translated into the old city. There, new footpaths have reduced road space, further encumbered by shopkeepers who rent footpath space to vendors, leading to a chaotic, congested landscape instead of the orderly environment envisaged under the Smart City project. Widening footpaths without stringent regulations against such encroachments has resulted in a counterproductive situation. The persistent shortage of parking spaces has brought city traffic to a near halt, with exponential increases in electric rickshaws further compounding the problem. Despite proposals to expand parking facilities, without adherence to a refined Master Plan 2032, Jammu’s flexibility for development remains alarmingly constrained.
Water supply augmentation is another pressing issue. At present, groundwater is the only significant source of water, with new tube wells and pumping stations under construction. However, with groundwater depletion a serious concern, alternatives must be explored. There is a proposal to create water bodies in available areas to help replenish groundwater. The Chenab Water Lift Project, intended to channel drinking water from the Chenab River in Akhnoor, has gained initial central approvals, yet JMC’s detailed project report remains stalled, awaiting final clearance and funding. The need for diverse water sources is dire, and though funds under the AMRUT Mission offer an opportunity to look beyond groundwater sources. The Jal Shakti Department has to work in tandem with JMC to diversify Jammu’s water supply to meet future demand sustainably.
Manpower shortages in sanitation services is another challenge for JMC. MLAs are lobbying for increased personnel to serve their constituencies, but a significant shortfall in household waste collection fees hinders funding. As a corporation, JMC must generate its own revenue to remain operational. Plans to introduce an online payment system linked to GPS mapped unique digital household number identifiers aim to reduce fee evasion and ensure more consistent collections. This initiative promises to address revenue leakages, yet success depends on sustained engagement and compliance from residents.
Restoration of heritage in the old city is another arena where JMC has to step up its efforts. The historic Mubarak Mandi complex, set to host a new Library cum Cafeteria by JMC, will likely become a vibrant space for locals and visitors alike. Additionally a Heritage Parking is proposed in the Mubarak Mandi Complex in place of an old office building. However, the preservation of additional landmarks, such as the Gumat Gate and Denis Gate, is essential to retaining Jammu’s cultural identity.
Responsibility for beautifying city roundabouts has shifted to JMC, with support from the Floriculture Department. Parks, vital for community socialisation and relaxation, have been sacrificed to parking needs in areas like Gole Market, Purani Mandi, and parts of Mubarak Mandi. Ever-shrinking greener pastures in Jammu are a challenge for JMC for which certain vacant land slots are being identified to develop greener pastures. There is positive development of green pastures along the Ranbir Canal under the Blue Green Ranbir Canal project. The result is beautiful walkways with swings and beautification along the canal.
Upcoming Tawi River Front and Artificial Lake will definitely change the landscape of Jammu around Tawi Bridge. These mega-infrastructural projects are supposed to be completed by next year. Before the completion of these two projects, JMC has to find a viable solution for Solid Waste Management and Sewage Treatment Plants. While JMC claims around 50% of solid waste is being recycled through scientific means, substantial progress remains essential. STPs, in particular, are a growing concern as untreated sewage continues to flow into the Tawi River and Ranbir Canal, exacerbating groundwater contamination. The same contaminated water will accumulate in the artificial lake. Additionally, with the Tawi River as Jammu’s primary drinking water source, any pollution poses severe health risks to residents. JMC’s outreach efforts in sanitation, which include engaging Ward Volunteers, represent a promising avenue for fostering public engagement. By involving locals in sanitation management and adherence to household waste collection protocols, these committees can bridge the communication gap between JMC and citizens-an invaluable step in the absence of elected corporators.
The introduction of over 100 e-buses equipped with digital ticketing systems has significantly enhanced the commute experience for passengers in and around Jammu. Key initiatives under the Smart City project, such as the Integrated Command & Control Centre, Intelligent Traffic Management System, and e-bill payment solutions for civic services, are highly praiseworthy advancements. Jammu’s Smart Bicycle Sharing System has also been introduced to promote sustainable urban mobility. Similarly, the renovation of Apsara Road and Raghunath Bazaar under the High Street project has completely rejuvenated these iconic areas, elevating their appeal. The façade lighting of landmarks like Bahu Fort, Tawi Bridges, Mohmaya Temple, Harki Pauri, Zorawar Chowk, and Maharaja Hari Singh Park, coupled with the landscaping of Balidan Stambh and the creation of vertical gardens at various traffic intersections, has breathed new life into Jammu’s nightlife, making it more vibrant and inviting.
Additionally, the modernisation and renovation of the Ranbir Library and several schools are pivotal projects aimed at transforming Jammu’s educational and cultural infrastructure. Initiatives like the establishment of indoor gyms and drug-deaddiction centres further underscore the commitment to holistic urban development, focusing on both physical health and social well-being.
However, certain areas demand a bit more focused attention. The building regulations in the old city demand a more streamlined approach. Permission processes for necessary repairs to historic homes remain mired in red tape, while commercial developments continue unchecked. Streamlining approval processes to promptly issue genuine household repair permits will prevent heritage decay and encourage homeowners to preserve their properties properly. The regulation of excavation sites is another pressing concern, as these areas have become breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. This has wreaked havoc in Jammu, with thousands of cases reported.
Despite the existing challenges, JMC continues its efforts, but the pressures of population growth and city expansion require swift, calculated action. For Jammu, solutions to these persistent issues will depend on policy adjustments, innovative project execution, and a renewed commitment to long-term sustainability. In a rapidly urbanising landscape, JMC faces tough challenges, but the Corporation’s readiness to address them head-on will be decisive for Jammu’s future.
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