Srinagar, Oct 11 (KNS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed ur Rehman Para on Sunday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government's new ease-of-doing-business laws, alleging that the relaxation of building and land-use regulations could expose residential neighbourhoods to unchecked commercial activity and increase environmental and flood-related risks.

Para questioned the government's justification for the changes, saying measures presented as business reforms could weaken planning safeguards and allow commercial establishments to operate in residential areas.

“We opposed the new laws brought in by the J&K government, and I will say why again. They are calling it ease of doing business. Look at what it actually does,” Para said.

He claimed the new provisions would permit shops and other commercial activities within residential localities, with restrictions largely confined to Red and Orange category industries and certain activities, including storage, freight operations, nightclubs and liquor shops.

“Everything else can open next to your house,” he said, warning that the changes could alter the character of residential neighbourhoods.

The PDP leader also raised concerns over provisions relating to building permissions, claiming that residential structures up to 24 metres in height and 5,000 square metres in size could be constructed without floor area ratio (FAR) or ground coverage restrictions, subject to certification by a government-approved consultant.

He further alleged that commercial buildings, including malls of similar dimensions, could be developed without prior government approval.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Para questioned whether consultant certification could provide adequate scrutiny in the absence of conventional regulatory oversight.

“Who checks the person who signs the certificate? A signed paper is not oversight,” he said.

Referring to the devastating floods of 2014, Para warned that weakening land-use and construction safeguards could aggravate risks in areas already vulnerable to flooding.

“We lived through the 2014 floods. We know what happens when drains choke and wetlands and floodplains are built over. These laws make that risk bigger,” he said.

He maintained that unregulated construction and commercial expansion could put pressure on drainage networks, residential infrastructure and environmentally sensitive areas.

The PDP leader said investment and business development were necessary but should not come at the expense of public safety, environmental protection and planned urban growth.

“Investment is welcome, but not at the cost of people's homes and safety. Planning rules are there to protect us. Remove them, and we pay for it the next time the water rises,” Para said.

His remarks come amid concerns over the implications of regulatory changes for urban planning and environmental protection in Jammu and Kashmir.

The claims regarding permissible building heights, exemptions and approval requirements are Para's interpretation of the new provisions and have not been independently verified against the notified rules. (KNS)