J&K Unified Building Bye-laws: Environmental Policy Group calls for sustainable amendments

Srinagar, February 15: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG), a registered trust engaged in environmental protection and urban development, has submitted detailed comments and recommendations on the proposed amendments to the Jammu & Kashmir Unified Building Bye-laws (UBBL) – 2021. The EPG, known for its legal interventions in public interest litigations concerning the 2014 floods and the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, has urged the Housing & Urban Development Department to adopt a cautious and sustainable approach.

In its detailed note submitted to the Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department,
Government of J&K, th key concerns and recommendations highlighted are: 

Jammu & Kashmir’s unique ecological and geographic characteristics necessitate that any changes to the UBBL-2021 prioritize environmental conservation and disaster resilience. Given the region’s classification in High-Risk Earthquake Seismic Zone 5 and its vulnerability to floods and landslides, the EPG emphasized the importance of responsible urban planning.

1. Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience

• Mandate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for all major urban projects.
• Strengthen green building norms, including energy efficiency, rainwater harvesting, and waste management.
• Implement climate adaptation strategies to mitigate floods, heat waves, and disasters.

2. Legal and Regulatory Alignment

• Review existing bye-laws to address outdated provisions and legal gaps.
• Ensure consistency with national environmental and disaster management laws.
• Incorporate relevant judicial precedents to prevent legal conflicts.

3. Inclusive Stakeholder Consultation

• Conduct public consultations with residents and community organizations.
• Seek expert inputs from urban planners, architects, engineers, and environmentalists.
• Align regulations with municipal bodies, fire safety authorities, and service providers.

4. Urban Planning and Land Use Optimization

• Analyze population growth, urbanization patterns, and land use efficiency.
• Ensure zoning compliance and infrastructure readiness.
• Integrate Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) principles.

5. Infrastructure and Public Safety Enhancements

• Evaluate water supply, sewage, power, and transportation infrastructure.
• Update fire safety, seismic design, and accessibility standards.
• Develop emergency evacuation plans and disaster-resilient infrastructure.

6. Economic and Social Inclusion

• Assess the impact of revised bye-laws on housing affordability and construction costs.
• Ensure provisions for low-income housing and informal settlements.
• Promote socially inclusive development to prevent displacement.

7. Adoption of Smart and Innovative Technologies

• Encourage smart building solutions, including IoT-based energy management.
• Promote modern construction techniques like prefabrication and modular systems.
• Use GIS mapping and 3D modeling for spatial planning.

8. Effective Implementation and Compliance

• Establish clear monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
• Conduct capacity-building programs for municipal authorities.
• Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens.

9. Comparative Best Practices and Global Standards

• Benchmark against international urban planning best practices.
• Align with global sustainable development frameworks such as UN-Habitat and ISO norms.

10. Financial Sustainability and Incentives

• Assess the economic viability of proposed amendments.
• Explore innovative financing options, including public-private partnerships (PPP).

11. Pilot Implementation and Iterative Feedback

• Test amendments in pilot areas before full-scale implementation.
• Gather stakeholder feedback and refine regulations based on practical insights.

12. Transparency and Public Access to Information

• Ensure bye-laws are clear, concise, and publicly accessible.
• Maintain transparency in consultations and regulatory changes.
• Publish draft amendments for public review and feedback.

13. Long-Term Vision for Adaptive Urban Planning

• Develop a framework for periodic reviews and updates to remain relevant.
• Ensure bye-laws are adaptable to future technological and environmental shifts.

Climate Change and Its Impact on J&K Events

The EPG also highlighted the cancellation of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg as a critical example of the tangible effects of climate change. The decision to call off the games due to erratic weather patterns underscores the direct link between climate stability and regional economic sustainability. The loss suffered by businesses dependent on winter tourism further emphasizes the need for sustainable urban and environmental policies.

Final Appeal

EPG hopes its recommendations will contribute to a resilient and sustainable urban framework for Jammu & Kashmir. The organization remains committed to supporting the process and has expressed willingness to participate in further discussions for the long-term benefit of the region’s people.