STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Citizen Forum regarding fly-over project from Shakuntla to Janipur proposed in 2008, which was abandoned for some extraneous reasons, Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court comprising Chief Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul after hearing Adv Aditya Sharma for PIL whereas Advocate General D C Raina with AAG Ravinder Gupta for the UT, disposed of the PIL with directions that the authorities will ensure completion of project for the convenience of public and for de-congestion of traffic in Jammu city.
When the PIL came-up for hearing, DB observed that the respondents have given the details about the approach for widening of the aforementioned roads from year 2007-2008 at a project cost of Rs 18.04 crores. DB further observed that respondents from time to time had taken stand that the subject matter of widening of roads, construction of flyovers etc., falls within the scope and powers of the Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency (in short ERA). It has been further stated that looking to the traffic problems, widening of the B C road was envisaged to make it 8-lane road. However, since the said project involved acquisition of about 53 Kanal of land as also re-settlement and relocation, the same translated into huge costs. The projects for the development of the city have also been stated to be financed by Asian Development Bank (ADB), wherever the land acquisition and resettlement issues are settled on the guidelines issued by the Government from time to time.
DB further observed that during the pendency of the instant PIL filed Citizens Forum through its President R K Chadha, the Court noticed that proposal with regard to widening of B C road-Amphalla-New Plot-Janipur road was not reflected in any of the projects on account of reasons stated for involving huge amount of acquisition and relocation.
DB further observed that in terms of order passed on 18.03.2021, the Court sought examination of the issues involved in this PIL with reference to being covered under the Master Plan directly or indirectly or the Smart City Project and the time frame, the issues would be dealt with under the said project. Compliance report stands filed by the respondents, perusal whereof reveals that a detailed report submitted by the Jammu Municipal Corporation to the Principal Secretary to Government Housing and Urban Development Department, Civil Secretariat, Jammu, regarding the various projects under Smart City Plan (SCP).
Advocate General D C Raina submitted that Jammu Metrolite under its comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), includes development of Bantalab-Greater Kailash-Bari Brahmana Corridor and all documents related to Jammu Metrolite viz DPRs approved by the Administrative Council (AC), the comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) and the alternative Analysis Report have been forwarded to Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of India for appraisal and funding of the project. The communications referred along with the projects showing future of the projects have also been enclosed with the status report. Adv Aditya Sharma appearing for the petitioners submitted that in the event the de-congestion of traffic in Jammu city is ensured in terms of the Metrolite Project, the petitioners shall also feel satisfied, however, the perusal of the compliance report reveals that same is dependent on the release of funds by the Government of India.
DB satisfied with stand taken by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in consultation with the Government of India, observed, “We feel that the approach adopted by the Government of J&K and Government of India in dealing with the interests of the people shall satisfy the petitioners to the extent they have projected in this PIL and ordered that there is no further requirement to proceed in this PIL, as such, the same shall stand closed.” However, DB hoped that the authorities will ensure completion of these projects for convenience of public and for de-congestion of traffic in Jammu city.