The Biz Reporter
Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) held a special Executive Committee Meeting on Friday. It was resolved to once again call upon the Jammu and Kashmir Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah to extend the deadline for submitting responses to the proposed amendments to the J&K Unified Building Byelaws (UBBL) 2021 by 90 days, citing concerns over inadequate public consultation and stakeholder engagement. The Executive Committee Members expressed serious concern about the issue.
It is astonishing to note that the public notice regarding Amendments neither bore any number nor the date of issue raising questions.
The current deadline of January 18, 2025, set by the Housing & Urban Development Department, provides insufficient time for a comprehensive review of these complex technical regulations. Given the far-reaching implications of these amendments on urban development, construction practices, and public safety across the Union Territory, the KCCI emphasises the critical need for extensive stakeholder consultation and thorough technical review.
The Chamber notes serious concerns regarding the current consultation process. The lack of widespread publication in local newspapers and insufficient communication with professional bodies has left many stakeholders, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, unaware of these important changes. This limited awareness is particularly concerning as the amendments will fundamentally alter building regulations and impact community development for years to come. The Chamber notes that the current consultation process has critical gaps that need immediate attention. The lack of widespread publication in local newspapers and insufficient communication with professional bodies has left many stakeholders, unaware of these important changes.
The proposed amendments will affect many stakeholders, including architectural firms, construction companies, property developers, municipal corporations, urban local bodies, residents’ welfare associations, individual homeowners, small business owners, environmental groups, and urban planning experts.
To ensure meaningful participation, KCCI recommends extending the consultation period by 90 days and mandatory publication of amendments in leading newspapers across both regions. The Chamber maintains that a comprehensive consultation process is essential for developing effective regulations that serve the J&K’s needs.
