The KCCI express serious concerns regarding the inadequate public consultation process for the proposed amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Unified Building Byelaws (UBBL) 2021, as recently notified by the Housing & Urban Development Department.
The current consultation process has several significant shortcomings that require your urgent attention. Most notably, the deadline of January 18, 2025, provides an extremely limited timeframe for meaningful public participation. This brief window is particularly challenging given that these are complex building regulations requiring detailed technical review by various professionals.
The notification's dissemination has been notably insufficient. While the proposed amendments are available on the department website, there has been no widespread publication in local newspapers, whether in English or vernacular languages. The lack of direct communication with professional bodies and trade associations has further limited public awareness. This is particularly concerning for rural and semi-urban communities who will be significantly affected by these changes but may remain unaware of them.
These amendments will have far-reaching implications for a broad spectrum of stakeholders across our Union Territory. This includes business chambers, architectural and engineering firms, construction companies, property developers, municipal corporations, urban local bodies, residents' welfare associations, individual homeowners, small business owners, environmental groups, and urban planning experts. Each of these groups deserves an opportunity to review and provide informed feedback on regulations that will directly impact their work and lives.
To address these concerns, we strongly urge to consider implementing several immediate measures. First and foremost, the consultation period should be extended by at least 90 days to allow for comprehensive stakeholder feedback. This extension should be accompanied by mandatory publications in leading newspapers across both regions, radio announcements in local languages, and official notifications through district administrations.
Furthermore, the accessibility of these amendments needs significant improvement. Looking ahead, we would also recommend developing standard operating procedures for future building bye-law amendments, creating permanent stakeholder consultation committees, and establishing regular review and update mechanisms with public participation. A dedicated digital platform for continuous stakeholder engagement could further strengthen this process.
Given the significant impact these UBBL amendments will have on urban development, public safety, and quality of life in our Union Territory, a comprehensive consultation process is not merely a procedural requirement but a necessity for ensuring these regulations serve their intended purpose effectively.
We urge immediate intervention to address these concerns and ensure a more inclusive and thorough consultation process. This will not only improve the quality of the final regulations but also strengthen public trust in governance processes.