JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said that a total of 233 illegal commercial and residential structures have been identified in Jammu city in the last 13 months.
In reply to a question of BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa in the assembly, the government said the violations pertain to 122 residential structures, 107 commercial establishments, and four falling under mixed residential-commercial use.
Providing further details, the authorities said 64 commercial structures operating in violation of building norms were sealed between July 2025 and February 2026.
“Additionally, nearly 61 illegal commercial structures have been demolished since October 2024 for operating without proper authorisation and in contravention of prescribed regulations,” it said.
However, it said separate data regarding unauthorised community halls, banquet halls and similar establishments is not maintained by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA).
Action against all unauthorised constructions is being taken as per building bye-laws and the COBO Act, 1988.
The reply further said that a writ petition filed in 2010 by owners of banquet halls is pending before the high court, which had directed that such establishments should not be closed till further orders.
On illegal parking operations, the government said that a complaint was received regarding unauthorised collection of parking charges at a JDA parking lot near the RTO office in Narwal.
Acting on the complaint, instructions were issued to lodge an FIR against the accused under relevant provisions of law, it added.
Regarding enforcement, the government said no instance of contractors allowing parking beyond sanctioned capacity has been reported so far, but strict action would be taken in case of violations.
On accountability, it said disciplinary action has been initiated against erring officials, including warnings, red entries, suspensions and transfers.
Two JDA officials have been suspended while one has been shifted from the Enforcement Wing for inefficiency, it added.
Red entries have also been made in the service records of officials Pankaj Sambyal and Romesh Kumar for their alleged involvement in encroachment of JDA land in Jammu South, it said. — (PTI)