JMC Comm meets CCI members, discusses traders’ issues, vows better civic services

JAMMU: On the invitation of President Chamber of Commerce & Industry Arun Gupta, Divansh Yadav accompanied by Aamir Aiyaz Rather, DC (South) JMC and Manoj Gupta, Chief Town Planner JMC visited the Chamber House on Wednesday and interacted with the members of Chamber. The comprehensive interactive session was aimed at addressing the pressing Civic, Commercial and other issues affecting the business community. At the outset Arun Gupta President CCI welcomed Commissioner JMC for sparing his valuable time to visit Chamber House and interact with the members The Chamber President highly appreciated the Jammu Municipal Corporations ongoing efforts to revitalize the local landscape and boost regional tourism. The initiative to organise programmes and events at the Tawi River front is the commendable steps towards attracting both the general public and visiting pilgrims, he said. Further the plantation drive carried out by the corporation are a highly welcome move towards environmental sustainability. He also welcomed the Government’s decision to task Jammu Smart City limited with developing a dedicated tourists and pilgrims corridor connecting Mahamaya Temple, Bahu Fort and Har Ki Poudi to enhance the spiritual eco system of Jammu. While speaking Arun Gupta objected the JMC’s practice of sealing commercial establishments without considering what impact the businessmen will face. We cannot presume that if a building is sealed by the corporation, it is safe now. Short circuit or natural calamity may damage the building even after sealing and also the sealing of buildings just because someone has given a complaint against his construction is unjustified. The Chamber President urged the administration to look at urban planning and compliance issues through a constructive lens. We should take these issues as a challenge to streamline the system rather than taking easy shortcuts by abruptly sealing premises and issuing notices to establishments Gupta said. The Chamber of Commerce & Industry urges the JMC and Senior administrative authority to adopt a collaborative, corrective and supportive approach towards local business rather than resorting to disruptive, punitive measures. Responding to points raised in the meeting, the JMC Commissioner assured that no notices will be issued to shopkeepers for the next two months, provided that they keep the footpath areas in front of their establishments clean and free from encroachments. The Commissioner emphasized that maintaining clean and obstruction-free footpaths is essential for public convenience and urban management, and sought the full cooperation of the business community. The Commissioner also stressed the importance of fire safety measures in all commercial establishments. He stated that adequate fire safety arrangements are mandatory in every hotel, restaurant, showroom, and other commercial establishments to ensure the safety and security of customers, employees, and the general public. He urged all business owners to comply with the prescribed fire safety norms and regulations. Commissioner asked all the business establishments like Hotels, Restaurants, Showrooms and other commercial establishments to apply for obtaining necessary NOC from fire department and at the same time he assured that no businessmen will be harassed unnecessarily. The Commissioner stated that the work on city’s drainage and street lights is going on in the city area and we seek your support and cooperation to complete the above project to ensure better living conditions and a cleaner, safer environment for all citizens.