The Times of India  13.08.2010

JAIPUR: The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) will take possession of government land at the proposed Gol Market site at Jawahar Circle.

Jaipur development commissioner (JDC) Sudhansh Pant has instructed the officials to do fencing of the area and install JDA property boards over the land.

Due to proximity with the airport, the JDA has decided to develop the spare land available near the park as a landmark shopping destination for the city. A market was conceived at the location along with a theme park during earlier proposals to develop Jawahar Circle.

The project never took off even though the work on theme park has been completed. Last June, the JDA has proposed construction of Gol Market on the site similar to Delhi's Connaught Palace.

However, there has been less progress over the project due to land acquisition issues. Pant held a review of the project on Thursday. "During a review of the Gol Market and sector road projects, the JDC insisted that the construction work on the project should be initiated," said a JDA official.

The market was proposed to be a unique blend of modern and traditional design. A pedestrian walkway similar to that of CP was proposed to join the shops. An idea for separate zones for shops and offices is also being considered. The JDA officials have however assured that the natural beauty of the park will not be compromised for the purpose. Adequate arrangements of parking are also suggested at the location.

Another innovative effort to involve public private partnership for development of roads of 80 feet or more width will also be put on fast track. The urban development department has recently made provisions to include private partnership for road developments following which 25 bids were received by the JDA.

The authority has shortlisted 17 proposals for road development in 10 of the JDA sectors, now a detailed project report will be sought from these developers before approval of the projects. "The DPR is expected to be completed over the next three months. A final selection will be made on the basis of DPR," said a senior JDA official.