Jammu, Sept 18: The much-publicised Water Theme Park project in Jammu, billed as a transformative tourism initiative, has hit a dead end after authorities belatedly realised that its approach road passes through a forest area, making mandatory clearances nearly impossible to secure.
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A Grand Promise Unravels
Announced in the J&K Budget 2023–24, the project was showcased as a bold step to position Jammu as a year-round tourist hub. A high-level review meeting on September 14, 2023, painted the facility—proposed along the Tawi near Sidhra—as a modern recreational attraction linking Bahu Fort, Maha Maya Temple, Mubarak Mandi, and the Artificial Lake.
In December 2024, the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) was tasked with executing the 11-acre project near Dwara, adjoining the Golf Course, with officials touting it as an ideal site that would also generate long-term revenue for the authority.
Forest and Connectivity Hurdles
However, officials later discovered that the approach road to the site falls within a forest area, making clearance unlikely. The site’s poor connectivity—over four kilometres from the National Highway without direct road access—further weakens its viability. “Even with clearances, the location’s difficult accessibility would make steady tourist footfall unlikely,” sources admitted.
Poor Planning Exposed
Critics argue the failure reflects the administration’s rush to announce big projects without basic feasibility checks. For over a year, officials showcased the theme park as a future “game-changer” featuring wave pools and water rides, yet ignored fundamental questions of environmental clearance and access. “Instead of verifying ground realities, officials rushed to claim credit. Now, the forest clearance issue has stalled the project entirely,” sources said.
Back to the Drawing Board
With the site untenable, JDA has been asked to identify alternative land. However, fresh locations will require starting from scratch—detailed project reports, feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and financial planning. Experts warn this could take years, casting doubt on whether Jammu will see such a facility in the foreseeable future.
Tourism Sector’s Frustration
Tourism experts expressed anger over repeated failures of marquee projects. “Artificial Lake is still incomplete, Mubarak Mandi is in limbo, and now this Theme Park has been shelved. Big announcements keep coming, but little reaches completion,” they said, calling the collapse a major setback to Jammu’s tourism circuit along the Tawi Riverfront.
- Project announced: J&K Budget 2023–24
- Proposed site: 11 acres near Dwara, Sidhra, Jammu
- Main hurdles: Forest clearance, poor road connectivity
- Future: JDA to scout new location, process to restart from scratch
Source: Daily Excelsior
Labels: Tourism, Jammu, Development Projects, JDA
Tags: #Jammu #Tourism #WaterThemePark #Development #JDA
Disclaimer: This article is a rewritten summary based on reporting by Daily Excelsior. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.
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