Project incomplete even after four years Lack of planning derails Raghunath Bazaar modernization project

Project incomplete even after four years Lack of planning derails Raghunath Bazaar modernization project Nitesh Sangral JAMMU, Aug 21: Lack of coordination and planning between government agencies and internal bickering within Raghunath Bazaar Business Association (RBBA) has almost derailed the Rs. 6 crore modernization plan of historic Raghunath Bazaar for last four years. According to the sources with different departments not adhering to the time frame in completing their respective allocated work, the modernization plan is running behind schedule, crashing the dream of citizens to see the area as major tourist attraction in the city. Under the project initiated in 2008, the 400 meters of bazaar, one of the oldest business area in the temple city established in 1856, was it is proposed to upgrade the market by modernization and up gradation of power distribution network, shifting of cables, paving of entire road passing through the bazaar heavy duty red tiles interlocking blocks, installation of fire hydrants, and providing benches for the sitting. The bazaar renowned for its age-old dry fruit shops, it is a busy market wherein one can get designer boutiques and the shops showcases the very modern in fashion and accessories. However when contacted, RBBA president, Surinder Mahajan said that work was delayed as there was some technical difficulties on part of agencies and not any differences within the association. “The issues are being sorted out and government has assured us that all the works will be completed in next few months”, Mahajan said. Sources said that some members of the association say that project has not been formulated in proper way and their opinions have not been incorporated in the document prepared for the project. Divisional Commissioner, Pradeep Gupta said that it will soon be completed as all the departments are working in a proper coordination now. “PHE, PDD and BSNL and PWD has been asked to speed up work to complete the pending work and the market will soon become a major tourist attraction”, said Gupta. He said that six more transformers would also be installed in the area to reduce the fluctuation and to mitigate the overloading. The work on the famous bazaar build around historic Raghunath temple was started by founder of Jammu and Kashmir state, Maharaja Gulab Singh in and was completed by Maharaja Ranbir Singh. It has approaches from Hari Market, Swami Vivekananda chowk, city chowk and Residency road.