JAMMU : Illegal constructions are rampant in and around Jammu city in broad day light with the active connivance of officials of the Jammu Municipal Corporation deployed in the respective wards to contain unauthorised constructions.
This is despite the fact that JMC in recent past bragged of initiating several measures from instituting an app to daily reporting format aiming to curb the ever flourishing money minting operations in the name of illegal constructions. However the ground realities are entirely different and shocking thereby inviting the wrath of top boss of JMC.
Ironically, illegal constructions have assumed an alarming proportion with the advent of incumbent JMC Commissioner, Dr Devyansh Yadav, who as per reliable JMC sources has been mislead by the middle rung officers about the flourishing business of illegal constructions especially in upcoming commercial hubs.
“The rate for converting residential building into commercial with or without iron shutter is Rs 2 to 5 lakh depending on the locations. Whereas, allowing commercial activities in a building which stand sealed in official records of JMC, the rate for such a deal multiplies many times. Another category is allowing construction in sealed premises especially commercial”, says an officer of JMC on the condition of anonymity.
By way of an illustration, it is to be pointed out that recently a huge commercial structure comprising six rolling iron shutters at ward No 17 in Amphalla stares every passer-by but strangely it failed to attact the attention of concerned enforcement Inspector deployed in the area to check the same.
Surprisingly, the work on this unauthorised site is still going at a break neck speed even after issuance of show cause notice to violator. But, the million dollar question still remains that neither the structure has been sealed nor action under rules initiated against the concerned khilafwarzi inspector for not reporting this massive illegality at inception stage.
If insiders in JMC are to be believed the operation of illegal constructions especially commercial nature is going on at massive scale under the supervision of Joint Commissioner (R&E), Rakesh Gupta who allegedly recommends action against errant Khilafwarzi officials as per his whims and fantasies.
“This is also matter of investigation as their are reports that gratification amount has been raised to unimaginable heights after the incumbent Commisioner JMC declared with pomp and show that no building permissions will be issued in illegal colonies falling under the jurisdiction of JMC limit”, avers one former councilor, preferring anonymity.
As per Act, the entire action against illegal construction from issuance of initial notice to final has to be accomplished within 10 days but in cases where the corrupt enforcement inspectors are hand in gloves with violators, the action initiated remain only in files but on ground the operation goes on, added another former councillor of JMC.
When the Joint Commissioner, JMC Rakesh Gupta was apprised of the illegal constructions his response was highly disgusting, speaking volume about his modus operandi.