Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Kathua Waterfront and dedicated the historic urban rejuvenation project to the people of Katua.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated the District Administration Katua for providing a unique public space that would promote community interaction and cultural activities in the beautiful and historic city of Katua.
He said, “1200 meters away from the Kathua Canal in the city center, the urban landscape, economy and social fabric will shape and increase the identity and vibration of the city.
“Kathua Waterfront has mixed entertainment, welfare, and community interaction – an important step towards increasing the quality of life in the city. Pedest track, restaurant and café, yoga spots will become a new social and cultural center and will play an important role in supporting environmental stability,” said Lt. Governor.
The Lieutenant Governor noticed that, under the guidance of the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the J&K administration has been resolved to bring transformative changes in the urban landscape.
“By providing basic facilities in UT and implementing policies related to urban rejuvenation in cities, I have always emphasized that every infrastructure should be founded for a strong future of our towns and villages.
The smart city is about all smart and responsible citizens. I want other cities to have a healthy competition with each other and try to continuously improve the quality of life of such infrastructure citizens that will become a stir destination for future tourism.
I have instructed the authorities to ensure that urban rejuvenation projects are durable, provide green place to citizens, improve biodiversity and empower cities to deal with the challenges of climate change, ”said the lieutenant governor.
The Lieutenant Governor said that Kathua Waterfront has provided direct employment to about 150 persons. Most of these beneficiaries are our women’s power and I am happy that this mission of urban rejuvenation has also ensured women empowerment.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also shared earnest efforts made by the UT administration to construct flexible infrastructure, preserving the values and unique identity of the cities and villages of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Every city and every village has a soul. It has a unique cultural identity. It shapes and nourishes the personality of the citizens and gives them hope and new aspirations. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure balanced and inclusive growth.
Today, when I look at the network of physical infrastructure in Jammu Division, I am happy that we have been very successful in fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
I want to develop and modernize every city and village in Jammu Division and every citizen should be able to achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams, ”said the Lieutenant Governor.
He further asked the district administration to identify rural areas in the district for the surgical camp of Rotary Club.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the Integrated Command and Control Center in Kathua and flagged off the cycle rally to mark the occasion.
Designed to complete all age groups, multicribute public spaces include yoga spots and a food street housing 15 restaurants and dedicated walking, cycling and skating tracks with cafes. The waterfront project prioritize urban aesthetics and community welfare. Better hygiene infrastructure, including sockese pits and advanced water supply systems, also ensures environmental stability.
Colonel Great Singh (retired) President, DDC Kathua; Member of Legislative Assembly- Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Shri Rajiv Jasrotia, Mr. Darshan Singh, Dr. Rameshwar Singh; Mr. Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Shri Bhim Sen Tutti, IGP Jammu; Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, police and senior officers of the police and civil administration, youth and large number of people were present.
