In a move to streamline vending activities and improve the visitor experience around the historic Bahu Fort and Bagh-e-Bahu area, Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) allotted 11 modern carts, 10 shops and 5 pre-fabricated kiosks to vendors on Thursday.

The units were allotted by MLA Vikram Randhawa in the presence of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jammu Smart City Dr Devansh Yadav.

Additional CEO JSCL Subha Mehta, Senior General Manager (Civil) Rajesh Abrol, GM Civil Saleem Ul Sabah, AEE Civil Vivek Chopra and other senior officials from JSCL and the Jammu Municipal Corporation were present.

The initiative is part of the Jammu Smart City project to develop the Bahu Fort precinct as a key tourism hub while creating organised livelihood opportunities for local vendors.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Vikram Randhawa stressed the need for systematic planning and discipline at religious and commercial spots. He noted that places of faith such as Bawe Wali Mata attract large numbers of devotees and tourists, necessitating organised commercial activities to ensure proper space for visitors and smooth vehicular movement.

He appreciated the works carried out under the Jammu Smart City project and urged vendors to cooperate in maintaining order by operating within designated zones.

CEO Jammu Smart City Dr Devansh Yadav stated that extensive development works are underway at Bahu Fort. He said JSCL is creating planned vending zones in different parts of the city to support livelihoods while maintaining urban order.

Yadav added that enforcement teams of the Jammu Municipal Corporation will continue drives against encroachments on footpaths and public spaces.