Jammu, May 05 — The BJP has opposed the ongoing anti-encroachment drive by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), seeking an immediate halt to demolitions, regularisation of existing structures, and action against officials accused of lapses.
The demand follows a demolition operation on May 4 in which more than 15 structures built without permission were razed along the Ring Road in the Jammu–Samba belt as part of efforts to enforce planning norms.
Tensions escalated in the Bisnah area when BJP MLA Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, accompanied by party leaders and locals, intervened and stood in front of bulldozers to stop the demolition of a three-storey building.
A day later, a BJP delegation comprising Rajeev Kumar Bhagat, Garu Ram Bhagat, Surinder Bhagat and former MLA Chander Prakash Ganga met JDA Vice Chairman Rupesh Kumar, pressing for suspension of the drive and a mechanism to register and regularise structures already constructed.
Addressing reporters, Rajeev Kumar Bhagat alleged failures within JDA’s enforcement wing and accused lower-level staff of misleading residents.
“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,” he said.
He also questioned the timing of the operation. “What kind of emergency was it that officials arrived at 4 am to carry out demolition?” he asked.
The MLA cited the case of a farmer whose land was partially acquired for the Ring Road, leaving limited space where construction had begun, and called for strict action, including suspension of enforcement staff.
He further sought a probe by the Anti-Corruption Bureau into alleged irregularities.
Garu Ram Bhagat said the meeting with JDA officials was held in a “positive atmosphere” and claimed assurances were given that existing structures would not face immediate demolition. He said residents would be allowed to apply online for No Objection Certificates and resume construction after approvals.
Surinder Bhagat said the intervention was aimed at protecting people’s interests while supporting 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 lack of coordination between JDA and Revenue authorities, saying conflicting land-use classifications were creating confusion. They said a joint meeting with the district administration would be convened to streamline records and ensure clarity 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.