JAMMU, Jan. 29 -- After a long wait of around 16 years, the artificial lake in Jammu's Tawi river has eventually become a reality and has started drawing enthusiastic crowds for free boat rides.

The artificial lake, part of larger Tawi Barrage project, missed several deadlines since 2009 resulting in cost escalation and also survived scares of shelving it altogether for being infeasible by successive state governments. However, after revocation of Article 370 and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir August 2019, the project was taken up afresh.

"A two-day free boat festival has started today. The timings are 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm. The river banks will also be illuminated with decorative lights," said CEO of the Jammu Smart City Project Limi...