Srinagar: Environmental Policy Group (EPG), a well known environmental advocacy organization in Jammu and Kashmir, has expressed concerns regarding the insufficient public consultation process surrounding the proposed amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Unified Building Byelaws (UBBL) 2021.
“We believe that the current consultation framework presents several critical inadequacies that demand your immediate attention. The deadline of January 18, 2025, offers an exceedingly narrow window for meaningful public engagement, hindering our capacity to thoroughly evaluate the environmental implications of these regulations. Particularly concerning are the impacts on green spaces, water management, and sustainable construction practices, which require comprehensive analysis and stakeholder input”, EPG said.
Moreover, the communication of the notification concerning these amendments has been grossly inadequate. While the proposed changes are posted on the department’s website, they have not been effectively disseminated through local newspapers, in either English or vernacular languages. This lack of publicity significantly restricts the ability of environmental stakeholders, including conservationists, ecological researchers, and engaged citizens, to contribute valuable insights regarding the environmental ramifications of the proposed modifications, EPG added.
“We urge your immediate intervention to rectify these issues and to promote a more inclusive and environmentally aware consultation process. Such efforts will not only improve the quality of the final regulations but also safeguard the ecological health of our region for future generations”, EPG further noted.
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