The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Jan 15
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has formally reached out to the Chief Minister, highlighting serious concerns regarding the inadequate public consultation process for the proposed amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Unified Building Byelaws (UBBL) 2021. This notification was recently issued by the Housing & Urban Development Department.
In their letter, the KCCI emphasized the significant shortcomings of the current consultation process, which they argue require urgent attention. The tight deadline of January 18, 2025, poses substantial limitations on meaningful public participation, particularly considering the complexity of the building regulations that necessitate detailed technical review by professionals.
Furthermore, the KCCI criticized the insufficient dissemination of the amendments. Although the proposed changes are published on the department’s website, there has been a lack of widespread notification in local newspapers, both in English and vernacular languages. The absence of direct communication with relevant professional bodies and trade associations has further restricted public awareness, notably among rural and semi-urban communities that will be significantly impacted by these changes yet may remain unaware of them.
The proposed amendments carry far-reaching implications for a wide range of stakeholders throughout the Union Territory, including business chambers, architectural and engineering firms, construction companies, property developers, municipal corporations, urban local bodies, residents’ welfare associations, individual homeowners, small business owners, environmental groups, and urban planning experts. The KCCI advocates that each of these groups deserves a fair opportunity to review and provide input on the amendments before they are finalized.
The KCCI is urging the Chief Minister to intervene and ensure a more inclusive consultation process that allows all affected stakeholders to have their voices heard.
The KCCI urges immediate intervention to address these concerns and ensure a more inclusive and thorough consultation process. This will not only improve the quality of the final regulations but also strengthen public trust in governance processes.
