Srinagar, Jan 17 (KNS): The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) has voiced serious concerns over proposed amendments to the Unified Building Byelaws-2021, enforced in 2022, in Jammu and Kashmir. The GCC has warned that the changes could lead to unchecked urbanization, threatening the region's spatial history and environmental sustainability.
Citing the region's vulnerability due to its placement in seismic Zones IV and V, the GCC emphasized the need for cautious urban development guided by master planning, zonal planning, and comprehensive environmental impact assessments.
“The proposed amendments appear to favor the interests of builders and developers over those of the citizens. They disregard the importance of preserving the spatial history of towns and cities,” the GCC noted in a statement.
The group criticized the proposed removal of restrictions on ground coverage, floor area ratio (FAR), and building height, warning that such measures could undermine the principles of responsible urban development. “Building byelaws are meant to ensure orderly urban growth and enhance the quality of life for residents. These changes risk turning cities into overbuilt concrete jungles,” the statement added.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The GCC also highlighted inconsistencies between the proposed amendments and the Model Building Byelaws-2016 issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). It noted that states like Gujarat and Haryana continue to follow the building codes issued in 2016 and 2017, with revisions typically occurring once a decade.
The group expressed particular concern for Jammu, Srinagar, and Anantnag, warning that the proposed changes could transform these cities into sprawling concrete expanses in a matter of years. “No other state has implemented amendments as sweeping as those proposed in J&K,” the GCC stated.
The GCC has urged the government to take a more cautious approach, calling for strict environmental scrutiny and a bottom-up planning process. This includes consulting subordinate organizations, urban local bodies, development authorities, and engaging experts in urban planning, environmental science, and urban design.
The group stressed the importance of balancing development with environmental and cultural preservation, warning that failing to do so could result in irreversible damage to the region’s urban fabric. (KNS)