MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government is all set to initiate a range of beautification projectsin collaboration with two civic bodies, as well as the administration and police toenhance Muzaffarabad’s aesthetic and affirm its prestige as the capital city, a minister said on Monday.

“As the capital, Muzaffarabad belongs to all state residents, and beautifying it is a shared social responsibility. The prime minister [Chaudhry Anwarul Haq] is also keen to see it as a model city, which is why steps are being taken from the platform of different departments and institutions to keep it clean and vibrant,” said Minister for Wildlife, Fisheries Sardar Javed Ayoub and the Development Authority Muzaffarabad (DAM), after chairing a meeting on city’s transformation.

Among the key projects, he said, the city’s five RCC bridges were to be adorned with incandescent lights, and significant government and historical buildings will also be illuminated.

“Development and expansion of parks — a much-needed recreational space in Muzaffarabad — are at the forefront of this initiative,” he added.

Mr Ayoub said that a modern park was planned on the right bank of the Neelum River in the Tahli Mandi area in partnership with the Municipal Corporation.

This site, once a bustling park, was destroyed by the catastrophic 1992 floods and has since been largely unused, apart from briefly serving as a cattle pen ahead of Eidul Azha.

Additionally, the Stone Park, established by the DAM near the Saddar Police Station on Tahli Mandi Road, will also undergo restoration, the minister said.

The beautification plans also included expanding Thoori Park with an additional 250 kanals of land along the left bank of the Jhelum River in the Lower Chatter neighbourhood. Moreover, the vicinity around the Ghazi-e-Millat Monument in Chatter Chowk will be transformed into a green belt.

Mr Ayoub announced that the walkway along the left bank of the Neelum River would be improved, with designated areas along both the Neelum and Jhelum rivers developed as tourist spots to add to the city’s allure.

The historic Baradari of Maharaja Ranbir Singh in Domel is set to be restored, and a food street will be established within the city, he said.

He said directives had been issued for the removal of encroachments citywide, particularly along footpaths from Domel to the city center, to ensure pedestrian safety.

Streetlights across Muzaffarabad were also to be fully activated. Building facades around the city would be painted with murals to improve their appearance and add to the city’s visual appeal.

“We’re also tackling city issues through public-private partnerships,” Mr Ayoub said, underscoring the collaborative approach.

In response to a question, he claimed that the past beautification efforts for the Naluchi Bridge were unsustainable, and the matter was under review by the Accountability Bureau.

“This time, we’re dedicated to ensuring quality work to maintain the city’s aesthetics in the long term.”

The meeting also decided to launch a ‘Neat & Clean’ campaign from Thursday from the Municipal Corporation office, with Mr Ayoub leading the inauguration.

The campaign, aimed at engaging all departments and raising community awareness, was designed to instill a sense of civic responsibility among residents, he said.

“The objective of this cleanliness campaign is to educate citizens about their roles in maintaining the city and to foster a sense of ownership. Achieving our goals will only be possible through collective effort,” Mr Ayoub asserted.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2024