Growing public anger as the Jammu Municipal Corporation remains silent on blatant construction violations raising serious questions over negligence, internal lapses, and alleged dealings with the violators.
Dy Commissioner South, has been accused of shielding the owner, and locals are livid about the unchecked unauthorized construction. The JMC’s inaction is not only emboldening violators but also putting the lives of residents at risk.
Jammu: The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has once again come under scrutiny for its inaction in controlling unauthorized constructions within the city. The case of Plot 148, Sector-C, Sainik Colony, Jammu, owned by Sanjeev Kumar, exposes the persistent gaps in enforcement, highlighting how unchecked violations are eroding the city’s planning norms, municipal revenues, and public trust.Despite multiple reported violations, JMC has failed to implement effective action under the JMC Act 2000, Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) 2021, and Jammu Master Plan (JMP) 2032. The owner has been served a notice under Section 253(1) of the JMC Act 2000 vide No. JMC/DC(S)/Enf/700-704 dated 10-12-2025, which critics argue was largely a symbolic action under public pressure. In practice, construction continues unabated, raising serious questions about enforcement effectiveness. It is an open secret that in many parts of Jammu, “might is right” prevails in JMC operations. Reports indicate that enforcement staff often turn a blind eye to violations if persuaded with incentives, allowing commercial constructions to rise on plots approved as residential. In most cases, violations are reported to higher authorities so late that enforcement action is only taken when structures are already near completion.
This pattern has contributed to a surge in unauthorized constructions, especially in planned colonies and Zonal Housing Board areas, undermining the integrity of city planning. The spirit of JMP-2032 and UBBL 2021 has been compromised, resulting in loss to the JMC exchequer and unsafe, unplanned urban development. At Plot 148, Sector-C, Sainik Colony, the owner has allegedly violated the approved plan by covering over 80% of the plot area, ignoring mandatory front and rear setbacks. Local residents and activists report that Enforcement Inspector Rahul Jamwal has shielded the owner, allowing construction to proceed unabated.
This blatant disregard for planning rules is not only a violation of lease deeds of the J&K Housing Board but also compromises the safety and aesthetics of the surrounding area, endangering residents and weakening confidence in municipal governance. The JMC’s failure to act promptly has emboldened violators and created a culture of non-compliance, putting the city’s infrastructure and residents’ lives at risk. Whistleblowers and RTI activists report that complaints are often ignored, enforcement staff are complicit, and higher authorities fail to take timely cognizance, fostering a sense of impunity.
Experts and residents suggest a comprehensive review of anti-violation rules to ensure timely and effective enforcement. Key recommendations include violators must face stringent action under the JMC Act 2000 and UBBL 2021, including criminal proceedings for enforcement staff complicit in violations. Law enforcers should be assigned manageable zones, with daily follow-ups by higher authorities to ensure field visits are effective. Enforcement staff must maintain a daily diary of violations, which should be submitted to reporting officers and escalated to senior authorities for timely action. Enforcement officials must operate under strict supervision, with periodic audits and public reporting to prevent collusion.
The situation at Plot 148 underscores the urgent need for merit-based enforcement, transparency, and accountability within the Jammu Municipal Corporation. Without systemic reforms, continued patronage and negligence will lead to unchecked violations, loss of public trust, and compromised urban development. Authorities must recognize that public employment is a trust, not a privilege, and take decisive steps to ensure that city planning regulations, safety standards, and the rights of residents are respected. Only then can Jammu hope to curb the rising menace of unauthorized construction and safeguard its planned urban future.
Brief points
- The case of Plot 148, Sector-C, Sainik Colony, owned by Sanjeev Kumar, highlights how unchecked violations are eroding planning norms, municipal revenues, and public trust. Despite repeated reports, the JMC has failed to take effective action under the JMC Act 2000, UBBL 2021, and JMP 2032.
- A notice under Section 253(1) of JMC Act 2000 was served on 10-12-2025, but critics call it largely symbolic, as construction continues unabated. Enforcement effectiveness remains in question.
- Reports reveal that enforcement staff often ignore violations if incentivized, allowing commercial constructions on residential plots. Delayed reporting to higher authorities further weakens action, resulting in buildings nearing completion before intervention.
- This pattern has led to a spike in violations, especially in Zonal Housing Board areas, compromising the spirit of JMP-2032 and UBBL 2021, causing revenue loss and unsafe urban development.
- At Plot 148, the owner has covered over 80% of the plot area, ignoring mandatory setbacks. Allegations of Enforcement Inspector Rahul Jamwal shielding the owner have emerged, raising safety and governance concerns.
- The JMC’s failure to act promptly has emboldened violators, fostered impunity, and put city infrastructure and residents at risk. Complaints from whistleblowers and RTI activists are often ignored, reinforcing systemic lapses.
