Jammu Master Plan still being violated, JMC helpless in view of court order

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, June 30: Despite claims made by the government that it has taken action against people who are converting their residential spaces into commercial one, in violation of Jammu Master Plan, the claims are falling flat on ground.

 In most of the cases no action has been taken again the people involved violating the norms as hundreds of shops and offices are still functioning in areas of Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Trikuta Nagar and Karan Nagar.

 Sources said that there are about six hundred shops and commercial establishments who converted residential plots into commercial institutions.

 In year 2002, notices for disconnection of electricity issued by Power Development Department under the directions of the court were stayed and in-trim stays continue with respect to 53 shops.

 Few months ago the High Court (HC) has also given direction to Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to seal all the commercial activities being run the Gandhi Nagar but nothing has been done so far in this regard.

 The establishments included all the showrooms, education institutes, shops, garments stores in these areas.

 But the municipal corporation has been a silent spectator to all this reasons best known to authorities of course now lawful reasons.

 Sources said that the government employees were allotted these plots only for residential purposes. However, entire Gandhi Nagar area and other nearby areas have become an open shop in violation to Municipal Laws.

The Municipal corporation has been a silent spectator to all this for reasons best known to authorities, of course not lawful reasons. It has been seen these showrooms are inaugurated by local legislators.

Now the question arises will JMC implements the order and take some strict action against them or not and if so, what will be the reaction of the people running these business.

Whereas the other localities of the city also experience a heavy rush of new restaurants and hotels without the permission of any authority but still the influential people get on with their work knowing that it is illegal.

When contacted Commissioner JMC K L Khajuria said that because of the High Court has stayed in favor of all owners of commercial establishments so the corporation is unable to take any action against them.

“We are helpless as the matter is now before the court and till there is stay we cannot take action” said Khajuria.