- JMC is facing criticism for its inability to curb the growing number of violated constructions within its jurisdiction. The rampant unauthorized constructions have raised concerns among residents, builders, and authorities, with many pointing fingers at the callous attitude of the JMC and its enforcement staff
- Despite the JMC’s mandate to regulate and monitor constructions, the enforcement staff seems to be ineffective in preventing violations. The lack of action against violators has emboldened some builders and property owners to flout building bye-laws and regulations, leading to a surge in unauthorized constructions
Jammu: The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has come under fire for its failure to prevent the construction of a grand hotel at Toph Sherkhania Akhnoor Road, Jammu, which has reached eight floors despite violating building bye-laws.The unchecked growth of violated constructions poses serious risks to the city’s infrastructure, environment, and public safety. It also undermines the rule of law and erodes trust in the JMC’s ability to regulate and govern urban development.
The recent instance of callousness on part of JMC is evident from violated construction by one Rajan Gupta and others, sons of Ved Parkash Gupta, have constructed a grand hotel in Ward-40, Basant Vihar, Jammu, in alleged violation of the approved site plan. The approved plan allowed for a commercial building with specific setbacks, ground coverage area, and floor area ratio (FAR). However, the owners have reportedly raised unauthorized construction, dis-regarding mandatory setbacks and exceeding the permitted area. According to the approved site plan, the owner was permitted to construct Commercial New Basement-1: 1780.48 Sqm, Commercial New G Floor: 919.86 Sqm, Commercial New Mezzanine Floor: 42.28 Sqm, Commercial New Service Floor: 919.86 Sqm, Commercial New Floors 1-4: 909.10 Sqm each However, the actual construction has deviated from the approved plan, with the owner failing to observe setbacks, including Front setback: 9.15 Mt (required),Rear setback: 7.82 Mt (required),Side setbacks: 7.20 Mt (required).
Aggrieved locals have appealed to the Commissioner, JMC, to take immediate action against the owner for raising violated construction. The JMC must investigate these allegations and take necessary steps to ensure compliance with building bye-laws and regulations. This is not an isolated incident, as the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has recently expressed concerns over the rampant unplanned development in Jammu, highlighting the need for effective enforcement of building regulations. The court has directed the JMC to submit a list of violators who have changed land use from residential to commercial in violation of existing rules and bye-laws .
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is facing criticism for its inability to curb the growing number of violated constructions within its jurisdiction. The rampant unauthorized constructions have raised concerns among residents, builders, and authorities, with many pointing fingers at the callous attitude of the JMC and its enforcement staff. Despite the JMC’s mandate to regulate and monitor constructions, the enforcement staff seems to be ineffective in preventing violations. The lack of action against violators has emboldened some builders and property owners to flout building bye-laws and regulations, leading to a surge in unauthorized constructions.
Citizens and stakeholders are urging the JMC to take immediate action to address this issue. This includes strengthening enforcement mechanisms, increasing transparency, and holding accountable those responsible for violations. The JMC must also ensure that its staff is equipped to effectively monitor and regulate constructions, and that violators are brought to justice.
