Jammu: What was once a municipal waste dumping ground along the banks of the Tawi river is set to transform into a unique tourist attraction. The 'Waste to Wonder' park, a flagship project of Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL), is nearing completion and is expected to open its gates to the public by the end of June 2026 .
The park is being developed on approximately 40 kanals of land at Bhagwati Nagar, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra . With physical progress reportedly touching 80 percent, officials are aiming to complete the project before the commencement of the pilgrimage season so that pilgrims and tourists can also experience the attraction .
What Makes the Park Special?
The defining feature of the park is its commitment to sustainability and art. It will feature 14 replicas of iconic monuments from India and around the world, created almost entirely from scrap materials . These include:
A 40-foot-high replica of the Statue of Unity dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel .
Seven international monuments, including the Eiffel Tower and wonders from Rome, Cambodia, and Bhutan .
Five national landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal, Kedarnath Temple, and the Chenab rail bridge .
Two local landmarks representing the region's heritage .
A team of scrap artists from Odisha, led by artist Ram Krishen Augisti, has been using discarded materials like iron pipes, machine parts, e-waste, and rubber tyres to construct these artistic marvels .
More Than Just Monuments
Beyond the replicas, the park is designed as a holistic recreational hub. Officials have planned facilities including an administrative block, ticketing counters, food courts, an open-air theatre, adventure zones for children, and water points . Benches and other infrastructure within the park are also being created from recycled plastic .
The project is part of a larger tourism corridor along the Tawi riverfront and is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹11 crore . Officials believe the park will promote environmental consciousness by demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into architectural wonders, enhancing Jammu's appeal as a tourist destination
