JAMMU, Oct 19: Sunil Dimple, president of Mission Statehood Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday led a protest rally opposing the proposed flyover on the Amphalla–Janipur road and demanded that the government clearly state its position on the project. He warned that a mass agitation would be launched if the government proceeded with the construction without addressing the concerns of residents and traders.
Addressing the protesters, Dimple said the proposed flyover had created anxiety among traders, shopkeepers and residents who fear that their commercial establishments and residential properties could be affected by the project. He claimed that property prices, including those of shops and residential houses along the proposed route, had fallen sharply due to uncertainty surrounding the construction.
Dimple alleged that the government was expediting the process of obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from departments concerned, including Housing and Urban Development, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), sewerage and Power Development Department (PDD). He questioned the claims that the flyover would be constructed on a single pillar, arguing that the proposed structure could have a significant impact on the existing road and adjoining properties.
According to Dimple, the pillar would measure approximately 20 feet from the left to the right side of the road and 10 feet in breadth, while the existing road is around 25 feet wide. He expressed apprehension that the construction and associated road-widening requirements could lead to the demolition of multi-storey malls, showrooms, shops and residential buildings.
He further alleged that marking had begun for widening the road to 30 feet on both sides to facilitate the project. Dimple said traders and residents from Bakshi Nagar, Amphalla, New Plot, Janipur and Roop Nagar were opposed to the proposed construction in the old areas of Jammu.
Demanding transparency, Dimple urged the government to place the complete project plan, blueprint and map in the public domain so that residents and traders could understand the proposed design, land requirements and likely impact on their properties.
He appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister to reconsider the flyover proposal and instead construct a ring road connecting Amphalla Manda, Janipur High Court, Roop Nagar and Bantalab up to Akhnoor. He also called for the introduction of metro train services from Amphalla Manda to Akhnoor as an alternative to address traffic congestion in the area.
Several leaders and representatives of market unions participated in the protest, including Daleep Kumar, Ricky Bhasin, Vikas, Deepak, S. Kala Singh, Jagdish Raj Gupta, Happy Gupta, Raji Khajuria, Raj Kumar Gupta, Gulshan Gupta, Sonu Agarwal, Rahul Sharma, Shami Gupta and Rohit Gupta, along with presidents of various market unions.
The protesters called on the authorities to clarify the project’s details and address the concerns of affected traders and residents before taking further steps towards construction.