Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, NOv 10:
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today visited the Tawi Barrage project site to assess the progress of the ongoing works on the Tawi Barrage and the Riverfront development project. The visit was part of a comprehensive assessment of major infrastructure projects under implementation along the Tawi River.
Accompanying the Chief Secretary during the visit were Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation and CEO Jammu Smart City Limited Dr Devansh Yadav, and Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr Rakesh Minhas, along with senior officers of the concerned departments and executing agencies.
During the field inspection, the Chief Secretary assessed the current status of both the barrage structures and chaired a detailed
CS visits Tawi Barrage
meeting on site to review project milestones. He was informed that all gates of the Tawi Barrage have been installed and are functional and that the hydro mechanical works have reached an advanced stage.
The officers also briefed the Chief Secretary about the ongoing rectification works necessitated by recent flood damages. The flood events had impacted some of the mechanical and civil components, for which restoration and reinforcement activities are presently underway.
The meeting also reviewed the Tawi Riverfront Development Project, which is progressing simultaneously on both the left and right banks of the river. The Chief Secretary stressed adherence to project timelines and emphasised the need for strict monitoring of execution schedules and quality standards. He directed the concerned departments to expedite works, particularly on the right bank. He reiterated that timely completion of both the barrage and riverfront components is essential for the integrated rejuvenation of the river corridor and the enhancement of Jammu’s urban landscape.
Officers apprised the Chief Secretary that the twin barrage system, covering both Nikki and Waddi Tawi channels, will enable better regulation of river flow, interception and diversion of multiple nallahs and creation of a controlled water body that will support the beautification and flood management components of the project. The project also aims to strengthen the city’s resilience against future flooding while providing recreational and tourism benefits to residents and visitors.
The Chief Secretary noted that the Tawi Barrage and Riverfront projects are flagship initiatives under the Jammu Smart City Mission and represent a major step toward transforming Jammu into a modern, sustainable and environmentally balanced urban center. He directed all executing agencies to maintain close coordination, ensure strict compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review and strengthen the implementation of the Homestay Policy of the Tourism Department, aimed at promoting community-based tourism and enhancing the accommodation capacity across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma; Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya; representatives from J&K Bank; and other senior officers of the Tourism Department.
During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of leveraging digital platforms to expand the reach and visibility of homestays across J&K. He directed the Department to enhance its presence on social media platforms and to integrate homestays with a dedicated online portal that facilitates real-time booking, detailed information on amenities, and provision for public feedback and ratings.
Emphasizing the need for financial support to promote homestay entrepreneurship, he urged J&K Bank to design and launch an exclusive loan product for homestay owners, modelled on the lines of housing loans and offered at a competitive rate of interest.
He also directed the Tourism Department to revisit and revise the existing guidelines in line with Government of India’s Homestay Policy, ensuring the inclusion of a transparent and credible grading system for registered establishments.
The Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, apprised the meeting that around 2,500 homestays comprising over 18,500 rooms have been registered with the Department so far. He informed that the Department is taking multiple initiatives to give a substantial push to the homestay ecosystem, including the introduction of simplified registration processes, user-friendly guidelines, and enhanced marketing support to position homestays as a key component of the tourism experience in J&K.
Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya, suggested incorporating QR code–based payment options and visual content integration including photos and videos on the booking portal to facilitate a seamless experience for customers from browsing to payment.
He further emphasized the need for streamlined documentation, effective verification mechanisms, and a transparent digital process to ensure the success of the homestay policy and its sustainable contribution to the local tourism economy.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the Department’s efforts and called for time-bound implementation of the discussed measures, highlighting that promoting homestays will not only diversify the accommodation landscape of J&K but also empower local communities, generate employment, and strengthen the rural tourism value chain across the UT.
