Commissioner says notices on Fruit Mandi and residential-to-commercial use are separate issues
JAMMU, OCTOBER 1: The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has clarified the position on notices issued to shopkeepers at Narwal Fruit Mandi and more than 200 establishments in different parts of Jammu city, saying the two sets of notices relate to separate issues.
The clarification came during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by JMC Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav on Thursday following concerns and apprehensions among traders and members of the public over the notices.
The meeting was attended by MLAs representing Jammu North Sham Lal Sharma, Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi, Bahu Vikram Singh Randhawa and Jammu West Arvind Gupta, besides representatives of various trade associations and the business community.
Notices to Narwal Fruit Mandi
Clarifying the notices issued to shopkeepers at the Narwal Fruit Mandi, Dr. Yadav said these were based on an alert note received by the Corporation from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
He, however, assured market representatives that the JMC would provide all possible guidance and facilitation for obtaining the required building permissions and completing the process for regularisation of existing structures, wherever permissible under the rules and the terms of JDA leases.
The Commissioner said the recently amended Unified Building Bye-Laws contain provisions relating to coverage, Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and other aspects that could facilitate the systematic development of existing markets.
He added that, wherever technically and legally feasible, vertical expansion could also be explored to accommodate additional shops and meet the growing requirements of established markets.
Residential-to-commercial use a separate issue
On notices and action relating to residential properties being used for commercial purposes, Dr. Yadav said the matter was separate from the issue concerning Narwal Fruit Mandi.
He described residential-to-commercial use as a long-standing issue, with several cases either pending before courts or involving other disputes.
The Commissioner also referred to a recent Supreme Court order concerning residential colonies and said the order was aimed at preventing their commercialisation.
At the same time, he said efforts were being made to examine suitable mixed-use provisions under the building bye-laws, particularly in areas where roads have adequate width and other prescribed parameters are met.
JMC assures traders of support
Dr. Yadav said the notices issued in recent days had resulted in apprehension among members of the public and the trading community.
He assured traders and other stakeholders that the JMC would continue to work in coordination with them and provide all possible assistance, guidance and facilitation within its mandate.
He added that policy-related matters would be taken up positively with the Government.
The Commissioner urged stakeholders not to be unnecessarily apprehensive, saying the administration’s focus was on clarity, planned development and regulated growth while creating better economic opportunities for Jammu.
He said the JMC would seek to ensure that development takes place in a positive and conducive environment.
