For the sake of Kashmir’s culture, environment, public wellbeing; J&K Govt must not rush with new Unified Building Byelaws

ZIRAAT TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD

The Jammu & Kashmir government’s proposed amendments to the Unified Building Byelaws (UBBL) 2021 have triggered widespread concern among environmentalists, civil society groups, and business stakeholders. The hurried manner in which these changes are being pushed, coupled with inadequate public consultation, raises genuine  and troubling questions about the future of urban development in the state.

At the heart of the issue lies the lack of transparency and inclusivity in the consultation process. With a deadline of January 18, 2025, stakeholders have been left with insufficient time to study the proposed changes and assess their long-term implications. Two of  Kashmir’s premier trade and environmental bodies like the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) have rightly pointed out that this narrow window deprives architects, urban planners, conservationists, and local communities of a meaningful opportunity to contribute to regulations that will shape the built environment for generations.

Kashmir’s distinctive architecture, lush greenery, and fragile ecology make it imperative that any changes to building regulations undergo rigorous review. The region sits in Seismic Zone V, one of the highest earthquake-risk zones in the world. With the memory of the 2005 earthquake and 2014 floods still fresh, it is imperative that building laws prioritize disaster resilience. This means strict adherence to earthquake-resistant construction techniques, sustainable water management practices, and robust flood mitigation measures. If the new amendments weaken these safeguards in favor of rapid commercialization, the results could be disastrous.

Moreover, the proposal lacks a clear architectural and aesthetic vision for the region. Kashmir’s timber-framed traditional houses (dhajji-dewari and taaq structures), intricately carved shrines, and heritage buildings are not just relics of the past; they define the cultural fabric of the Kashmir civilization. Haphazard urbanization, without sensitivity to local aesthetics, could erode the very essence of Kashmir’s identity.

Equally concerning is the potential environmental impact. If the amendments encourage unchecked corporate construction without considering green spaces, solar energy mandates, rainwater harvesting, and waste management, they will accelerate ecological degradation. J&K’s unique landscape and tourism-driven economy demand that urban expansion be aligned with sustainability principles, not just commercial expediency.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s administration must act swiftly to extend the consultation period by at least 90 days, ensure wider public engagement, and integrate scientific, environmental, and architectural expertise into the final amendments. J&K’s urban planning should not be dictated by short-term corporate interests but by a long-term vision that protects its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and resilience against disasters. Ziraat Times is of the view that a rushed approach today could have irreversible consequences tomorrow.