Gandhi Nagar Residents while pointed to the brazen, broad-day construction of a massive iron kiosk at a prime location in Gole Market, arguing that the Jammu Municipal Corporation’s silence over the mushrooming of “reserved” business spots on public land reflects deep administrative apathy towards chronic civic problems that continue to cause daily misery to citizens.
Ashok Kumar, a resident of Gandhi Nagar, termed the hassle-free rise of the double-decker commercial structure on the road margin a classic case of “might is right.” He alleged that while JMC acts with full force against powerless movable cart owners, influential encroachers enjoy complete protection while converting public land into permanent private commercial space.
Majority of residents argue that if the matter involve rehabilitation, then instead along roadside in busiest commercial hub, this kiosk alike many beneficiaries must be relocated in vendor zone opposite Presentation Convent School. Why special treatment to influential kiosk owner when everyone equal before law ?
Revealing the alleged modus operandi, reliable sources within JMC claimed that these fixed commercial spots operate through a well-entrenched nexus. Initially, encroachments are allegedly stalled by influential elements with the tacit consent of police and JMC field functionaries, and are later sublet on a monthly rental basis to secondary operators, turning footpaths and road margins into a lucrative underground rental earning business.
Most of these illegal activities emerge after sunset at strategic locations, choking pedestrian space, worsening traffic congestion and creating sanitation problems. Despite steadily eroding the city’s aesthetic character, the police, traffic department and JMC appear to be presiding over the growing mess.
Sources further alleged that even when higher authorities plan action, protected encroachers are tipped off in advance by their loyalists, allowing them to suspend operations during enforcement drives—a phenomenon reportedly visible during recent planned tours of Commissioner Secretary, HUDD, Mandeep Kour in several wards during Swachhata drive.
For keeping intact interest of footpath encroachers, even some are trying their best to convince higher ups in JMC to suspend anti encroachment drive during evening hours.
With public land being converted into private commercial space in full public view, the episode raises serious questions about enforcement, accountability and whether the anti-encroachment campaign is merely cosmetic rather than corrective, says Rajeshwar Singh Jamwal, a renowned social activist.
(Footpaths on sale is a series of news items highlighting hassle free operation of reserved business spots existed on encroached public space and margins in Jammu City’s vulnerable areas).