By Arfat Khan
JAMMU: Construction of a vast commercial building with impunity in ward number 68 without any approved plan have rendered a serious dent on the much talked demolition drive of an upright Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation Avny Lavasa against the illegal and unauthorised structures.
Located in lane number 27 in ward number 68, the way this vast structure constructed between the lockdown period have raised a doubt on the impartial demolition drive started by the JMC as there is talk in the town that only those structures are being demolished which doesn’t enjoy patronage of the BJP and Badei Saheeib.
Ironically, making mockery of JMC’s tall claims of zero tolerance towards unauthorised constructions, the work for first floor also going on this structure (Pic No 1) even today with impunity from the Badei Saheeib.
Interestingly, in the month of February a team of Khilafwarzi officials led by JMC secretary Tina Mahajan who was also holding in charge Chief Enforcement Officer for Zone 1 at that time also visited in this lane to dismantle a vast commercial shed (pic 2) but surprisingly keep silent on this vast structure upon which shuttering work was going at that time.
Surprisingly, the structure (Pic No 2) which the JMC claims demolished is still intact on the ground.
It’s alleged that this illegal commercial structure is being constructed with the blessings of Councillor namely Anil who owns loyalty with the BJP.
The local councillor while refusing his role in this illegal commercial complex said “As corporator it’s my duty to help the people of my ward”. I resist the attempts of JMC team to demolished shuttering but later I have no role in sheltering illegal construction of this building” he maintained.
Questioning JMC drive, Subash Vohra alleged that while the JMC is demolishing the shops which exist on ground 70 years ago but prefer to turn Nelson eyes towards the illegal constructions belongs to the persons affiliated with BJP.
This under construction commercial building at lane number 27 in ward number 68 speaks volume about the level of corruption flourishing on the name of demolition drive in JMC, he avers.
Its worth to mention here that in the same area on a road side on way to Kaluchak, in the month of January, the JMC has razed shuttering of one house to ground zero as it belongs to one common man having no approach or affiliation with present day ruling party.
There are also allegations that some Khilafwarzi officers are striking handsome deals with the violators. The modus operandi adopted is first they sealed building then after negotiations demolished its shutters to save the building from the curse of lifelong sealing and pave the smooth way for the violators to carry its commercial activity from inside. This is a unique kind of de-sealing coined by the JMC officials.
Attempts to establish contact with Joint Commissioner (A) Ashish Gupta couldn’t materialise as he didn’t responded to our calls.