SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) convened a special Executive Committee Meeting on Friday, where members unanimously called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to extend the deadline for responses to the proposed amendments to the J&K Unified Building Byelaws (UBBL) 2021 by an additional 90 days. This request is based on concerns surrounding insufficient public consultation and stakeholder engagement.
The KCCI expressed serious apprehension regarding the current consultation process, particularly noting that the public notice about the amendments lacked critical information, such as a notice number and issuance date. “This raises significant questions about the transparency and validity of the proposed changes,” a KCCI official said.
The existing deadline for feedback is set for January 18, 2025, as per the Housing and Urban Development Department. However, KCCI officials argue that this timeframe is inadequate for a thorough review of the complex technical regulations outlined in the amendments, which are poised to impact urban development, construction practices, and public safety throughout the Union Territory.
“Many stakeholders, especially from rural and semi-urban areas, remain unaware of these fundamental changes due to the limited outreach of the current consultation process,” the Chamber emphasized. The group highlighted that the amendments could fundamentally alter building regulations, affecting a wide range of stakeholders, including architectural firms, construction companies, property developers, municipal corporations, residents’ welfare associations, individual homeowners, small business owners, environmental groups, and urban planning experts.
The KCCI recommendations include extending the consultation period by 90 days and ensuring that the amendments are published in leading newspapers across both regions. The Chamber believes that a comprehensive consultation process is essential for creating effective regulations that meet the needs of Jammu and Kashmir.
The KCCI urged authorities to address these critical gaps in the consultation process to ensure meaningful stakeholder engagement, which they argue is vital for the successful implementation of the amendments and for the overall development of the region.
KCCI calls for extended consultation on UBBL amendments
