Bikram Chowk flyover turns canvas for artists

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 18

The efforts of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (MC) to beauty city walls have won several admirers.

Showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state, the pillars of the 1.3-km Bikram Chowk flyover are being painted with beautiful wall artwork.

To discourage plastering of unwanted posters, the MC has come up with a novel idea of wall painting, which is being appreciated by residents of the city.

The MC has hired professional artists for the purpose.

While appreciating the artwork, residents say it was yet to be seen how the civic authorities maintain these wall paintings, as such artworks have often been neglected in the past.

“The authorities should ensure that these paintings are maintained properly,” said Sushil Sharma, a painter.

A senior MC official associated with the project said once the beautification of the Bikram chowk was complete, they would select more places for similar work.

“The authorities should allow artists to use walls of the city as a canvas. It will add beauty to the city. I have seen such efforts in New Delhi and Mumbai transforming many areas,” said Rohit Dev, a businessman.

Street art is not new to Jammu. The first such attempt was made by the Jammu Development Authority in 2005, when artists agreed to beautify the walls of the road from Bikram Chowk to Satwari. But the paintings were damaged by rains and sunlight.

First attempt in 2005

Street art is not new to the city. The first such attempt was made by the Jammu Development Authority in 2005, when artists voluntarily agreed to beautify the the stretch from Bikram Chowk to Satwari. Later, the paintings were damaged by rains and sunlight.