JAMMU, SEPT 20: Mission Statehood Jammu Kashmir president Sunil Dimple led a protest rally along with traders and residents against the proposed flyover projects at Amphalla–Janipur and Bakshi Nagar, alleging that the projects would affect businesses, residential areas and the existing road network of Jammu city.
Addressing the protesters, Dimple alleged that the government was expediting the process of obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various departments, including sewerage and electricity, for the proposed flyover works.
He claimed that elected representatives were also approaching departments to facilitate the required clearances, including arrangements for shifting electricity infrastructure.
Dimple alleged that BJP leaders were simultaneously pressing the government to accelerate the flyover projects while raising issues against the J&K administration.
He also claimed that Jammu East MLA Yudhvir Sethi was seeking to bring a resolution concerning the Amphalla–Janipur flyover in the Assembly, citing traffic congestion and road-related problems.
He appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to stop any move to pass a resolution or proceed with construction of the Amphalla–Janipur flyover without first placing the complete project plan before the public.
Dimple also demanded that the government make public the detailed blueprint of the proposed projects, particularly the plan for rehabilitation and relocation of traders and residents who, he claimed, could be affected by the widening of the road and construction of the flyover.
According to Dimple, thousands of traders and a large number of residential properties along the Janipur High Court Road and adjoining areas could be impacted. He alleged that the authorities were marking portions on both sides of the existing road for widening and related infrastructure works.
The protest leader appealed to residents and traders of Bakshi Nagar, Amphalla, New Plot, Janipur, Roop Nagar and Bantalab to oppose what he described as an attempt to carry out major infrastructure changes without adequate public consultation.
Dimple also demanded the resignation of BJP leaders whom he accused of supporting the proposed flyovers, naming MPs Jugal Kishore Sharma and Sat Sharma and MLAs Yudhvir Sethi and Arvind Gupta.
As an alternative to the proposed flyovers, Dimple called for development of a wider ring-road corridor connecting Amphalla–Manda with Janipur, Roop Nagar and Bantalab up to Akhnoor.
He also demanded initiation of a metro rail connectivity plan from Amphalla–Manda towards Akhnoor, arguing that long-term traffic management should focus on wider regional connectivity rather than congestion relief through flyovers in densely populated parts of the old city.
