here is no doubt that the both Central Government and the one running the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir have been promising stars and moon as far as prospects of ongoing Tawi River Bank Development Project is concerned as the prestigious project has been inspired by the Sabarmati Riverfront Development in Gujarat, which is a successful venture admired by one and all in the country and even those visiting Gujarat from abroad.
The project, which is facing many ups and downs for the last over one decade, has finally witnessed the foundation stone laying ceremony last year with the government promising its completion sooner than later although in different phases. There is no doubt that if the aforesaid project will see the light of the day, it will prove out to be a game changer for tourism in Jammu with many new livelihood sources emerging and above all River Tawi getting the much required focus of the stakeholders. As it is said that every coin has two sides, so do the Tawi project in Jammu City because way back in 2015, the then Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has shelved the construction of the artificial lake over the Tawi river claiming it be non-feasible both economically and technically. The project which was envisaged by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad between 2006 and 2008 saw many such developments in the past but this time the government seems resolute to realize the project.
With Monsoon season at its peak and rains lashing the region especially the catchment area of river Tawi, just a moderate flood witnessed till now this season has reportedly caused considerable damage at the construction sites in the Tawi. It gives a hint what would be the fate of the aforesaid project if floods of major intensity will strike this project when it is completed and commissioned?
Reportedly, the climate change has led to frequent floods in several parts of India including J&K, and it is likely that the same will exaggerate the situation in coming times, thus making it necessary to envisage all the development projects in a way should be made so to withstand the floods or other natural calamities having potential risks.
The recent flood in River Tawi is an eye opener for the stakeholders because in case of full intensity flood, the upcoming project shall have to confront many challenges and that too on almost yearly basis as flooding in Tawi is an annual feature although intensity differs depending on the volume of rainfall in catchment areas. Before moving further, the government should once again consider pros and cons to ensure that this expensive project should not prove to be a damp squib, as some environmentalists also have certain reservations regarding this project's impact on the health of river Tawi and its aquatic life.
