JAMMU, Nov 4: President of Mission Statehood Jammu and Kashmir, Sunil Dimple, on Wednesday led a protest rally demanding that the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister clarify the government’s position on the proposed construction of a flyover on the Amphalla-Janipur Road. He warned that any move to proceed with the project without addressing public concerns would invite a massive public agitation.
Addressing the protesters, Dimple claimed that, according to sources, the government was preparing to initiate the flyover construction project covering Amphalla, Janipur, Roop Nagar and Bantalab. He alleged that despite opposition from traders, shopkeepers and residents, the authorities were moving ahead without adequately considering the possible impact on their businesses, properties and residential establishments.
He said the proposed project had created fear, stress and uncertainty among the local population, particularly traders and property owners who apprehended demolitions and financial losses. He further claimed that property prices, including those of shops and residential houses, had witnessed a decline due to uncertainty surrounding the project.
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, Sewerage and Power Development Department.
Questioning the government’s claim that the flyover would be constructed on a single-pillar design, he sought the release of the detailed project report and blueprint for public scrutiny. He argued that the proposed pillars and road-widening requirements could affect existing commercial and residential structures. He also claimed that markings had been made for widening the road to 30 feet on both sides.
Dimple said traders and residents of Bakshi Nagar, Amphalla, New Plot, Janipur, Roop Nagar and adjoining areas were opposed to the proposed construction in the old city areas. He demanded that the government immediately put the project plan and alignment in the public domain and hold consultations with affected stakeholders before taking any further steps.
As an alternative, Dimple proposed the construction of a ring road connecting Amphalla Manda with Janipur High Court, Roop Nagar and Bantalab up to Akhnoor. He also demanded the introduction of metro train connectivity from Amphalla Manda to Akhnoor, stating that such infrastructure could address traffic concerns without causing widespread disruption to existing settlements and commercial establishments.
He appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister to reconsider the proposed flyover project and take the concerns of traders and residents into account.
Several leaders, 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, participated in the protest.