J&K govt sanctions Rs 5.88 crore Sabzi Mandi redevelopment project

Jammu, June 22 (IANS) The J&K government on Monday sanctioned a Rs 5.88 crore development project for the historic Sabzi Mandi in Jammu city.

An official statement said, “In a significant initiative aimed at modernising the city’s traditional vegetable market, the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the Sabzi Mandi at Parade in the Jammu East Assembly constituency was laid today by local MLA Yudhvir Sethi in the presence of Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation and CEO Jammu Smart City Devansh Yadav.”

Yudhvir Sethi said the redevelopment would usher in a new era for one of Jammu’s oldest and busiest markets by providing modern infrastructure and improved facilities for vendors and visitors. He added that the project would enhance hygiene standards, improve traffic circulation and create a more organised trading environment.

The redevelopment project, with an estimated DPR cost of Rs 5.88 crore, aims to transform the existing mandi into a clean, well-planned and user-friendly market equipped with upgraded civic amenities and durable infrastructure.

As part of the project, a spacious Mild Steel (MS) covered shed will be constructed to provide weather-protected vending space for traders. The facility would accommodate 117 vendor platforms, each measuring 1.8 metres × 2.1 metres, ensuring systematic and orderly market operations. The shed area would have Kota stone flooring, while the vendor platforms would be furnished with granite cladding and granite tops to ensure durability, hygiene and ease of maintenance.

The project also envisages the construction of 44 permanent commercial shop blocks, each measuring 2.4 metres × 2.7 metres, to support vegetable vendors and allied businesses. To improve sanitation, the existing drainage network will be strengthened and rehabilitated to minimise waterlogging and ensure efficient disposal of wastewater.

The redevelopment plan further includes a redesigned main entry gate with sandstone cladding, enhancing the visual appeal and identity of the market. Modern public amenities, including separate toilet blocks for men and women and drinking water cooler units, would also be installed.

Movement and circulation areas within the market would be developed using Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) to withstand heavy pedestrian and light vehicular traffic, ensuring long-term durability. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to significantly improve hygiene standards and provide a cleaner, more convenient environment for the handling and sale of fresh produce.

Among others present on the occasion were Additional CEO Jammu Smart City Kulbhushan Khajuria, Project Director Sunil Thosoo, General Manager Saleem-ul-Sabah, Assistant Executive Engineer Vivek Chopra and other officials.

--IANS

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