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Srinagar, Oct 11: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para has opposed the new laws introduced by the Jammu and Kashmir government in the name of ease of doing business, alleging that the provisions could encourage unregulated commercial activities and construction in residential areas.
In a statement, Para said his party had opposed the new laws and questioned their potential impact on residential neighbourhoods, urban planning and environmental safety.
“They are calling it ease of doing business. Look at what it actually does,” Para said, alleging that the new provisions could allow shops and commercial establishments to operate within residential areas, with only certain categories of industries and activities excluded.
He also raised concerns over provisions reportedly allowing residential buildings up to 24 metres in height, covering nearly eight storeys, and measuring up to 5,000 square metres to be constructed without conventional floor area ratio (FAR) or coverage restrictions, subject to certification by a government-approved consultant.
Para further claimed that malls of a similar size could be established without government approval, questioning the adequacy of oversight and accountability under the new framework.
Referring to the devastating floods of 2014, the PDP leader warned that unchecked construction, obstruction of drainage channels and encroachment on wetlands and floodplains could increase the risk of flooding across Kashmir.
“We lived through the 2014 floods. We know what happens when drains choke and wetlands and floodplains are built over. These laws make that risk bigger,” he said, warning that residential neighbourhoods, the environment and natural flood-protection systems could be put at risk.
Questioning the proposed certification mechanism, Para asked who would be held accountable if residential lanes were transformed into commercial zones and what safeguards would ensure that consultants issuing certificates were properly monitored.
“A signed paper is not oversight,” he said, stressing that investment and economic development should not come at the expense of public safety and residents’ rights.
Para maintained that planning regulations were essential to protect communities and the environment, cautioning that weakening such safeguards could have serious consequences during future floods.
“Investment is welcome, but not at the cost of people’s homes and safety,” he said. (CNS)
