JAMMU, Oct 12: Mission Statehood Jammu and Kashmir president Sunil Dimple, along with traders, shopkeepers and residents, led a protest rally against the proposed construction of a flyover on the Amphalla-Janipur-High Court Road, warning the government of mass agitation if the project process was not stopped immediately.
Addressing the protesters, Dimple reiterated his demand for the construction of a flyover on an alternative alignment and the introduction of a metro service from Amphalla Manda to Janipur High Court, Lakad Mandi, Roop Nagar, Bantalab and Akhnoor. He strongly opposed the government’s reported plan to expedite flyover construction along the Amphalla, New Plot, Tali Morh, Janipur, Roop Nagar and Bantalab stretches.
Dimple alleged that the proposed project would severely affect commercial establishments, residential properties and the livelihoods of thousands of families. He questioned the government’s claims regarding the proposed pillar-based design, arguing that the dimensions of the pillars could further reduce the available road space, which he said was already limited.
He expressed concern that the construction process could require the demolition or removal of shops, showrooms, houses and other commercial structures. He also warned that the movement of heavy machinery, the use of construction materials and the installation of large concrete slabs could disrupt traffic and business activities for an extended period.
Claiming that nearly 5,000 shops, malls and showrooms and around five lakh family members could be affected, Dimple demanded that the government make the project’s detailed blueprint publicly available. He sought clarity on the proposed alignment, the number of affected properties, rehabilitation arrangements and compensation for traders and property owners who might suffer losses.
Dimple further alleged that soil testing, identification of pillar locations and measurements inside commercial establishments had begun. He also claimed that the process of obtaining no-objection certificates from departments dealing with sewerage, power, water supply and municipal services was underway.
The Mission Statehood leader criticised the administration for allegedly proceeding with the project despite repeated objections from traders and residents. He claimed that his own shops and residential properties also fell within the proposed project area.
He demanded that the government hold consultations with all stakeholders before taking further steps and ensure that the concerns of traders, shopkeepers and residents were addressed transparently. He said the administration should explain how affected families and businesses would be accommodated and compensated if their properties were impacted.
Dimple also alleged that measurements were being conducted for road widening on both sides in connection with the proposed flyover project. He appealed to traders and residents to unite against the plan and warned that the agitation would be intensified if the government failed to reconsider its decision.
Several market representatives participated in the protest, including Dallep Kumar, Ricky Bhasin, S. Mohinder Singh Pithi, Vijay Virdi, Vikas Kumar, Deepak Kumar, S. Kala Singh and Mohinder Lichi, among others.
The protesters called upon the government to make the project details public, consult affected stakeholders and address their concerns before proceeding with construction.