JAMMU, Aug 29: Mission Statehood president Sunil Dimple led a strong protest rally of traders and residents against the proposed construction of a flyover on the Amphalla–Janipur High Court road, alleging that the government has initiated preparatory work without taking local stakeholders into confidence.
Addressing the protesters, Dimple claimed that soil testing, demarcation, measurements and other processes related to the proposed flyover have already been undertaken, while the government has failed to hold meaningful discussions with traders, shopkeepers and residents who, he said, would be directly affected by the project.
He alleged that markings have been made inside shops for possible dismantling and that soil-strength testing has been carried out along the road despite repeated protests by the affected communities.
Dimple appealed to traders and residents of Amphalla, New Plot, Janipur, Roop Nagar and Bantalab to participate in a mass protest rally on Tuesday, September 1 at 11 am, opposing the proposed flyover from New Plot towards the Janipur High Court road.
He urged the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister to consider an alternative connectivity plan, including construction of a ring road from Amphalla Manda through Janipur, High Court, Roop Nagar and Bantalab up to Akhnoor. He also demanded the introduction of metro rail connectivity from Amphalla Manda to Akhnoor.
Dimple expressed concern that construction of pillars along the existing road could damage underground sewerage infrastructure and recently laid water-supply pipelines. He maintained that any major infrastructure project should be implemented only after proper consultation with affected stakeholders and assessment of its impact on existing civic infrastructure.
Warning of an escalation, Dimple said traders and residents would launch an indefinite agitation from September 1, including protests, rallies, dharnas and hunger strikes. He also warned that a Jammu bandh could be called if the government proceeds with the flyover construction without addressing their concerns.
Among those present were trader and market representatives Daleep Kumar, Ricky Basin, S Kala Singh, Vijay Virdi, Vikas, Deepak, Nazir Khan, Jagdish Gupta, Happy Gupta and others.