Rampant illegal construction on wetland in Transport Nagar goes on unabated JMC’s silence fuels corruption, environmental destruction

GY CORRESPONDENT
JAMMU, MAY 2
In a blatant display of official negligence and deep-rooted corruption, a massive illegal commercial structure continues to rise unchecked on ecologically sensitive wetland (Khad) in Transport Nagar, Ward No. 49, Jammu. The construction, spearheaded by Rajesh Gupta, son of Bodhraj Gupta and owner of BEE TEE Gupta Transport Company, is taking place on approximately 2000 sq feet of protected land adjacent to the national highway.
The owner in blatant violation of building laws has raised three storied structure of 2000 sq feet each without maintaining setback as a commercial structure while hobnobbing with corrupt officials of the JMC, thereby not only causing environmental degradation but also causing revenue loss running into lakhs of rupees to the JMC.
Despite a formal complaint filed by Golden Yug on April 28, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has failed to act. Enforcement Officer, who is set to retire on May 31, has reportedly ignored the violation altogether, effectively enabling this criminal activity.
The illegal structure has already reached its third floor, covering an area of nearly 2000 sq. ft., without any permission from JMC, a direct violation of the Unified Building Bye Laws (UBBL)-2021 and the Jammu Master Plan (JMP)-2032.
It has also been reliably learnt that Gupta has not obtained land use change from the Jammu Development Authority for said construction, which shows how deeply he has his contacts in the system.
Fact of the matter is that there is no provision to get site plans passed for raising constructions on water bodies.
However, Gupta, being an influential person, has managed to manipulate rules in his favour.
To pretend ongoing construction to be an old one for escaping any action, Gupta has been simultaneously getting the structure white-washed.
The photographs being carried in the Golden Yug with this story, have been clicked today by the GY team and they prove beyond doubt that the illegal commercial construction goes on unabatedly.
The criminal silence from JMC officials raises serious questions: Is retirement immunity now the new model of governance? Has the JMC become a collaborator in illegalities instead of a guardian of urban order and environmental balance?
Residents and environmental activists have condemned this brazen violation, demanding immediate demolition and legal action against both the violators and the complicit officials.
The inaction of JMC stands in sharp contrast to the clear and unwavering stance of the Supreme Court of India, which, in its April 30 ruling, emphasized that courts must adopt a “strict approach” when dealing with unauthorised constructions.
The apex court further warned that permitting such illegal acts undermines the rule of law and encourages a “culture of impunity.” It upheld the Calcutta High Court’s order to demolish illegal floors and directed the use of police force if necessary to ensure compliance.
The Supreme Court rightly reminded all civic authorities of their “inviolable duty” to protect the environment and uphold statutory laws-something the JMC has failed to do.
This case exposes the urgent need for accountability within JMC. Enforcement Officer Anil Kashyap and others involved must be investigated and suspended pending inquiry. The illegal structures must be demolished without delay, and criminal proceedings initiated under environmental and municipal laws.
The public must no longer tolerate bureaucratic apathy and collusion. Wetlands are not real estate; they are essential ecological assets.