JAMMU, Jun 17: A protest rally against the proposed flyover project from Amphalla to Bantalab was led by Sunil Dimple on Wednesday along the Janipur High Court Road. The demonstration witnessed participation from local traders, residents and supporters opposing the proposed elevated corridor.
Addressing the gathering, Sunil Dimple, President of Mission Statehood Jammu Kashmir, strongly opposed the construction of the flyover proposed from Amphalla through New Plot, Tali Morh, Old Janipur, Main Stop Janipur, Roop Nagar and up to Bantalab. He warned the Jammu and Kashmir Government that if the project is not stopped, a call for a “Jammu Bandh” would be given in protest against the proposed construction.
Dimple claimed that, according to information available to him, the tendering process for the project is scheduled for June 22 and the bids are expected to be opened on June 23. He urged the government to first initiate consultations with traders, residents and all stakeholders before proceeding with the approval of tenders and commencement of work.
Expressing concern over the impact of the project, Dimple alleged that the proposed flyover would adversely affect the livelihoods of a large number of traders and residents living along the route. He said the commercial establishments and residential areas of Amphalla, New Plot, Tali Morh, Janipur, Roop Nagar and Bantalab have developed over several decades and any such project should be implemented only after detailed public consultations.
Dimple demanded that the government convene meetings with traders’ associations, residents and other stakeholders to discuss the project and explore alternative solutions to traffic congestion. He proposed the construction of an exclusive circular ring road connecting Amphalla, Manda, Janipur High Court Road, Lakkar Mandi, Roop Nagar and Akhnoor. He also advocated the introduction of a metro train service connecting Manda, Roop Nagar and Akhnoor.
Describing the affected localities as some of Jammu’s oldest residential and commercial areas, Dimple urged the government to reconsider the proposal. He warned that the agitation would be intensified through dharnas, hunger strikes and large-scale protests if the flyover project moves forward without public consultation.
Several local leaders, including Daleep, Ricky Bhasin, Farooq Shah, Nazir, Vikas, Pama Shah, Sanjay Nagraj, Rajinder Gupta, Pt. Sunil Sharma, Vijay Khajuria and others, participated in the protest rally.