BY PROF. SK.BHALLA
Yesterday only, in a swift, stunning and steady action, twin towers were turned to rubble. It is was an explosive end to 09-yr battle. These towers were taller than Qutub Minar and it was perhaps the biggest spectacle for all of us. A high-tech demolition exercise was undertaken and flurry of activities visible. Team CVC remained glued to the Idiot Box.
A group of 04 elderly UBS Teotia (80), SK Sharma (74), Ravi Bajaj (65) and MK Jain (59) were the first to object to the towers of corruption. Here in our UT majority of elders are simply farting with due respects to their wisdom and enjoying hefty pensions. The credit goes to the top court and not to BJP, though attempts have been made to steal the limelight.
“Illegal construction has to be dealt with strictly to ensure compliance with the rule of law. Supreme Court said on August 31, 2021 while ordering demolition of real estate major Supertech’s 40-story Emerald Court Twin Towers in Noida for violation of Building Laws and norms in collusion with Noida Authority Officials”.
What about our Jammu City for the time being? As per No. MJ/CEO/41/3/2015 dated 21-12-2015 (Order under Provisions of Section 7 (3) of J&K Control of Building Operation’s Act 1988) @ Raman Bhalla R/O Delli the explanation of beneficiary has not been considered satisfactory and violations pointed out. The then Joint Commissioner (A) Municipal Corporation Jammu wrote, “Whereas the said illegal construction raised seriously affects the planned development of Jammu city and contravenes the zoning regulations. Now, therefore, you are directed to demolish the construction, violations as detailed within 05 days from the date of service of Notice failing which the same will be demolished at your risk and cost by the JMC. The said structure is still intact, for the information of L-G.
There are reports that illegal commercial flats have been constructed at Chowadhi under JDA’s jurisdiction opp. the house of retd. ADGP Late Salaria. Furthermore multi-level Raunaq Plaza at Sarore under the JDA’s Jurisdiction constructed illegally stares us in the face.
I am in receipt of an RTI reply from JMC @ KC Residency. The complete details (Building map and nota noty) as also violation of norms have been examined by me in the morning. Complete information will be out shortly as the matter was also brought to the notice of the incumbent Principal Secretary HUDD, J&K UT, Mr. Dheeraj Gupta, who simply smiled and the matter vanished into thin air.
The aforesaid 03 glaring illegalities constitute the tip of the iceberg. It is crystal clear that JMC operates selectively in the public interest. The present Mayor of JMC and his team have to answer many uncomfortable questions. If operation demolition can be undertaken in Delhi, why criminal silence here? Yesterday only the services of Private Detectives have been hired to make available to us approximately 100 illegal constructions of high and mighty in Jammu city. A week’s time has been given to them and service charges will be paid from our own kitty. Quoting late Rahat Indoori in the context of illegal constructions only:
एक अखबार हूँ औकात ही क्या मेरी,
मगर शहर में आग लगाने के लिये काफी हूँ …
Satayameva Jayate!