Shadow Correpondent
Jammu, Apr, 25
Senior BJP leader and MLA Jammu West, Arvind Gupta today met with Ms. Mandeep Kaur, IAS, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Housing & Urban Development Department and highlighted the pressing need for community infrastructure in Toph Sherkhanian area of Jammu.
During the meeting, Arvind Gupta drew attention to a vacant land parcel adjacent to the Electric Sub-Station in Toph Sherkhanian, currently owned by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA). Highlighting the dense population and growing urban needs of the locality, Gupta requested that the land be utilized for the benefit of residents through the development of key community facilities. He proposed a multipurpose hall for community events, indoor gaming zones for youth, a library and reading room for students, and a welfare club for senior citizens to promote engagement and well-being. He emphasized that such initiatives would significantly contribute to the social, educational, and recreational fabric of the region, fostering a strong sense of community and improving the overall quality of life.
The MLA appreciated the government’s ongoing efforts under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF), particularly the recent Rs. 3500 lakh proposal by Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) which includes vital works such as construction of drains and deep drains in Ward No. 32 (Rs. 2000 lakh) and a multilevel car parking facility at SMGS Hospital, Shalamar, Jammu (Rs. 1500 lakh). He stressed that while such infrastructure investments are crucial, parallel attention must be given to localized community development to ensure inclusive urban growth.
Arvind Gupta urged the Commissioner Secretary to direct concerned departments to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed community facilities and initiate necessary steps for early execution. He expressed optimism that the administration would consider the request positively and work collaboratively to deliver meaningful solutions to the residents of Jammu West. The MLA reiterated his commitment to ensuring holistic development in his constituency and thanked the Commissioner Secretary for her patient hearing and proactive approach.
The Commissioner Secretary gave a patient hearing to the issues raised by MLA Arvind Gupta and assured that the matter would be examined on priority. She acknowledged the significance of developing inclusive community spaces in urban areas like Toph Sherkhanian and assured that necessary directions would be issued to the concerned officers for assessing feasibility and preparing a detailed project report.
