Jammu: The BJP has opposed the ongoing anti-encroachment drive carried out by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), demanding a halt to the operation, regularising existing constructions and action against “erring” officials.
On May 4, the JDA demolished more than 15 structures built without permissions on the Ring Road, along the Jamm-Samba belt, to curb illegal constructions and enforce planning norms.
Tensions escalated when BJP MLA Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, along with locals, intervened and stood in front of bulldozers in the Bishnah area to stop the demolition of a three-storey structure. Several party leaders joined the protest.
Later, a delegation of BJP leaders, comprising Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, Garu Ram Bhagat, Surinder Bhagat and former MLA Chander Prakash Ganga, met JDA Vice Chairman Rupesh Kumar on May 5 and sought suspension of demolition drives and called for registration and regularisation of existing structures.
Addressing reporters, Rajeev Kumar Bhagat alleged that JDA’s enforcement wing failed in its duty and accused the lower-level staff of misleading people.
“We have repeatedly said JDA should inform people where construction is permitted. Instead, staff took money, allowed structures to come up, and then demolished them when the buildings reached the third floor (exceeding permitted height limits),” he said.
He questioned the timing of the drive, saying, “What kind of emergency was it that officials arrived at 4 am to carry out demolition?”
Bhagat also cited the case of a farmer whose land was partly acquired for the Ring Road, leaving him with limited land on which he had begun construction.
The MLA demanded strict action against JDA officials, including suspension of enforcement staff, alleging that illegal constructions had flourished due to administrative lapses.
He also sought a probe by the Anti-Corruption Bureau into alleged irregularities by them.
Garu Ram Bhagat said the meeting with JDA authorities was held in a “positive atmosphere” and claimed that assurances were given that already constructed structures would not be demolished immediately.
He said that people would be allowed to apply online for No Objection Certificates and resume construction after approvals.
BJP MLA Surinder Bhagat said they had intervened to prevent demolition and protect people’s interests while maintaining that they support lawful action.
“We will not support any illegal activity, but harassment of poor people in the name of law will not be accepted,” he said.
The legislators also flagged a lack of coordination between departments, particularly between JDA and Revenue authorities, claiming conflicting land-use classifications were creating confusion for residents.
They said a joint meeting with the district administration would be convened to streamline land records, clarify jurisdiction and ensure transparency in permissions.
JDA officials maintained that the demolition drive was carried out after due notice and was aimed at enforcing building regulations and ensuring planned urban development.
