JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer today set the timeline for the completion of pending work of the Auto-Mechanically Operated Gated Barrage (AMOGB) on Tawi River, during an inspection visit to the construction site.Around 80 per cent work on Tawi Barrage project, which is popularly known as Artificial Tawi Lake project, has been completed and for remaining work the Div Com has given strict directions.The Divisional Commissioner inspected the different components of the Tawi River Front and assessed the pending works on Barrage project.Pertinently, the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has engaged the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, for detailed assessment of works already executed on Tawi Barrage Project and to give expert advice on the completion of left-over work and recommend measures required to be taken to prevent erosion of the embankments and suggest required flood protection works. Under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) a Portuguese firm-Aqualogus, was also assigned the task of conducting morphology study of River Tawi, so that effective measures can be taken for flood protection.During his visit to the site, the Div Com directed Irrigation and Flood Control Department to take corrective measures to complete the project and submit Detailed Project Report (DPR) within stipulated time frame after incorporating the recommendations of IIT and Aqualogus.The Div Com gave four months time to I&FC to invite bids for balance works to be executed on the project; after incorporating recommendations of IIT-R and feasibility report of River Morphology study.It was observed that there has been much delays in the execution of the prestigious project and Jammuites are eagerly awaiting for its completion.He also took a round of both the River Banks from 4th bridge to Main Tawi Bridge and enquired about the works which would be taken under the proposed River Tawi River Front.The Div Com directed JMC to conduct a cleanliness drive in the area while JDA and Floriculture were directed to properly maintain the parks developed on the river banks.The Jammu Smart City Limited is also conceptualising a DPR to develop Tawi River front to give an aesthetic look to the River Tawi and to promote it as a major tourism attraction.The 3.5 KM long river front is proposed to be completed in 2 phases. The first phase starts from 4th bridge to Main Tawi Bridge and phase 2 from Main Tawi Bridge to Gujjar Nagar Bridge. It was informed that pathways would be constructed on both the sides (banks) of the river to provide easy access to the public.The Div Com was accompanied by Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control; Director ERA, Additional CEO JSCL, ADC Jammu, Project Consultants of JSCL, Tehsildar Bahu, Tehsildar Jammu South and other concerned officials.
