In a significant step towards the rehabilitation of shopkeepers affected by major infrastructure development works, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today laid the foundation stone for a new shopping complex at Bhagwati Nagar, which will provide alternative commercial space to shopkeepers displaced from Satwari Chowk and Nai Basti due to the construction of the flyover.
The foundation stone was laid by MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta, MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa and MLA Jammu South Dr. Narinder Singh, in the presence of Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation Dr. Devansh Yadav and Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas.
The rehabilitation initiative has been undertaken to address the concerns of shopkeepers whose existing shops had to be removed to facilitate the development of the Satwari Flyover. The affected shopkeepers had been operating from JMC-allotted shops and were regularly paying rent to the Corporation. With the removal of these commercial establishments for the infrastructure project, the shopkeepers were faced with the challenge of relocating their businesses and sustaining their livelihoods.
Recognising the need to provide a structured and permanent rehabilitation solution, the JMC has taken up the construction of new shops at Bhagwati Nagar. The project is intended to provide the displaced shopkeepers with organised commercial space where they can resume their business activities in a planned environment.
A total of 36 shops, each measuring 8 feet by 10 feet, will be constructed under the project. The proposed complex will also include parking space in front of the shops, ensuring better accessibility for customers and visitors. In addition, a toilet facility will be provided at the site for the convenience of shopkeepers and the general public.
The development of the shopping complex is also expected to create a more organised commercial environment, with proper provision for essential public amenities. The project reflects the Corporation's approach of combining urban infrastructure development with measures aimed at safeguarding the livelihood interests of people affected by such development works.
On the occasion, the officials stated that the land for the rehabilitation project had been handed over to the Jammu Municipal Corporation by the Deputy Commissioner Jammu, facilitating the Corporation in taking forward the construction of the proposed shopping complex.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony marked the commencement of an important rehabilitation initiative for the affected shopkeepers. The project is expected to provide them with a dedicated commercial space and enable them to restart their business activities with greater stability and security.
The initiative also underscores the coordinated efforts of the district administration and the Jammu Municipal Corporation in addressing the concerns of affected stakeholders while advancing important urban infrastructure projects in the city.
The JMC reiterated its commitment to undertaking development works in a manner that remains responsive to the needs of citizens, traders and other stakeholders and to providing appropriate rehabilitation measures wherever existing commercial or public spaces are affected by infrastructure development.