JAMMU: Amid concerns among Jammu’s trading community following notices issued by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to Narwal Fruit Mandi and more than 200 establishments across the city, JMC Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav convened a meeting with trade associations and elected representatives on Wednesday to clarify the issues and address apprehensions.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Singh Randhawa and Arvind Gupta, along with representatives of the business community.
Dr Yadav clarified that notices issued to Narwal Fruit Mandi shopkeepers and cases involving residential-to-commercial violations are two separate matters.
He said the notices concerning the Fruit Mandi were issued following an alert note received by the JMC from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The Commissioner assured market representatives that the Corporation would provide guidance and facilitation for obtaining required building permissions and completing the process for regularisation of existing structures wherever permissible under the rules and JDA leases.
He also pointed to provisions in the recently amended Unified Building Bye-Laws concerning coverage, FAR and other parameters, saying these could facilitate the systematic development of existing markets. Where technically and legally feasible, he said, vertical expansion could also be explored to accommodate additional shops and meet the requirements of established markets.
On residential-to-commercial use, Dr Yadav said the issue was separate and long-standing, with several cases either pending before courts or involving other disputes. He said the JMC was examining suitable mixed-use provisions under the building bye-laws, particularly in areas where road width and other prescribed parameters are met.
Referring to a recent Supreme Court order concerning commercialisation of residential colonies, the Commissioner said the administration was examining the matter within the applicable legal and policy framework.
Dr Yadav assured traders and other stakeholders that the JMC would continue to work with them and provide assistance, guidance and facilitation within its mandate, while policy-related matters would be taken up with the government.
He urged stakeholders not to remain unnecessarily apprehensive, saying the administration’s focus was on clarity, planned development, regulated growth and creating better economic opportunities for Jammu, while ensuring a conducive environment for business.
