Jammu: A delegation of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its Chairman Vikrant Kuthiala, alongwith Kuldeep Gupta Co Chairman Rakesh Wazir Co Chairman and other senior members met Vikas Sharma, KAS, Vice Chairman, Jammu Development Authority in his office Thursday.
Kuthiala along with Rakesh Wazir and Kuldeep Gupta briefed VC, JDA that PHDCCI has received number of representations and requests from Trade and Industry members for early resolution of the issues related to Jammu Master Plan as it has been passed by the State Assembly earlier last year however no substantive discussions took place with various stake holders prior to its passage, Creation of Green Park at Bhagwati Nagar, as due to the widening of Jammu-Akhnoor Road, the Walk-way and the Greenery along with Canal is going to be substantially reduced, thereby reducing the green cover of the city. The Chamber requested that a World Class Green Park/Recreational area be developed in Bhagwati Nagar, which could have the facilities like Children Playing Park, Water Bodies with musical fountains, Area for Yoga and Camps, Dedicated Walking track, JAMMU HAAT on the lines of highly successful DELHI HAAT near AIIMS. JAMMU HAAT can be utilized to highlight the Cuisine, Culture, Art and Handicrafts of Jammu region, Sound light show depicting the evolution of Jammu city from Jambu Lochan to present times.
Khuthiala also mentioned that a policy on transfer and Municipal approvals on part plots be framed so as to permit transfer of part plots in areas like Gandhi Nagar. He highlighted that JDA had recently advertised that floor wise construction on plots of 1 Kanal would be permitted and apartment’s blocks on plots bigger than 2 Kanals would be allowed. This needs to be notified. Similarly, Housing Plots located on National and State Highways should be permitted for commercial usage, with suitable provision for internal parking.
Rakesh Wazir suggested that long pending demand of the shopkeepers at Apsara Road and Matador route in Gandhi Nagar to regularize the constructions. Restriction on the transfer and municipal approvals on part plots in Gandhi Nagar should be lifted. Even half plots in Gandhi Nagar are worth more than full plots in other areas. He also mentioned that like in Punjab and Chandigarh, Bye laws should be amended in case of housing plots and only front and back setbacks should be adhered to and Side setbacks should be relaxed. He also highlighted the issue of development of park from Canal head to BSF camp
Kuldeep Gupta highlighted the construction of drainage and sewerage at canal road along with the road widening of Jammu – Akhnoor Highway. He drew attention of VC JDA to the fact that there is no drainage and sewerage system between the stretches from canal head to Bakshi Nagar Bridge. This part of the city has not been included in the drainage and sewerage project of the ERA also. Because of the non availability of the drainage and sewerage system at this important part of the city, the residents of the area are facing lots of problems in discharge of the drainage and sewerage of their houses. And this problem multiplies particularly during the rains when the rain water from the road floods the houses.
Vikas Sharma, VC JDA gave a patience hearing to the issues being raised by PHDCCI, and assured the delegation that he shall look into the concerns discussed with PHDCCI and a time bound resolution shall be done. He asked delegation to come up with suggestion highlighting their reservations for effecting suitable amendments in the Master Plan. He asked PHDCCI to provide a comprehensive list of concerns in the master plan and suggest modifications.
