Several commercial structures at Satwari Chowk in Jammu were demolished by the administration on Thursday as part of ongoing highway expansion work in the city. The demolitions have sparked significant anger among the affected shopkeepers, who are demanding immediate rehabilitation and alternative locations for their businesses. This action comes against the backdrop of a long-pending issue concerning the rehabilitation of shopkeepers impacted by development projects in the Satwari area.
Affected shopkeepers have alleged that their decades-old commercial establishments were razed without adequate prior notice or sufficient information, leaving them in a state of uncertainty regarding their livelihoods and future prospects. Officials, however, stated that the shopkeepers had been served multiple notices and were informed two days prior to the demolition to clear their belongings. The power supply to these structures was also disconnected on Wednesday, according to official accounts. Most shopkeepers reportedly managed to remove their belongings before the demolition drive commenced.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the shops had been operating at the Satwari Chowk location for approximately 50 years, with occupants consistently paying monthly rent to the municipal authorities. Surinder, a shopkeeper present at the scene, stated that around 20 shop structures were demolished. He indicated that the demolitions began around 4 am on Thursday. “As we all know, under the Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the related project, it was said that these shops would be vacated and dismantled and that the shopkeepers would be provided shops at some other location. But no shops have been provided to us till now,” he said, as reported by The Tribune India.
The affected traders further explained that the rear portions of their shops were removed on Wednesday, and they were instructed to vacate the premises by 8 pm that evening. “When we woke up this morning, our shops had already been demolished,” they alleged. The demolition has intensified the anger among the shopkeepers, who contend that alternative shops should have been allocated before their existing establishments were dismantled. The government had previously approved a rehabilitation and resettlement scheme for shopkeepers and open-space kiosks affected by road widening at Nai Basti and Satwari Chowk. However, an official mentioned that the affected shopkeepers would be relocated to another site within six months.
“The shops have been destroyed, but the promise of providing alternative shops has still not been fulfilled,” the traders lamented. They highlighted that several families were dependent on the businesses operating from these establishments. “Now a major question has arisen before the shopkeepers regarding their employment and how they will support and provide for their families,” stated another shopkeeper, Dushant Kumar. The affected traders are demanding that alternative shops be allotted to them in accordance with the assurances previously given by the authorities.
Raman Bhalla, working president of the Congress, visited the site and expressed solidarity with the affected shopkeepers. He urged the government to provide them with alternative shops without delay to prevent disruption to their livelihoods. “Before carrying out the demolition, they should have been given the keys to alternative shops. It will take months to construct shops. How will they feed their families? It is time for the government to carry out immediate rehabilitation of the affected shopkeepers,” Bhalla told reporters, as per The Tribune India. He acknowledged that the residents of the Jammu region understood the necessity of demolishing the shops for development work but questioned the sustainability of the affected families after losing their establishments.
The highway expansion project, part of a larger infrastructure development initiative, aims to improve connectivity and traffic flow in the region. However, the abrupt demolition of commercial properties without immediate alternative provisions has created a crisis for the shopkeepers and their families. The lack of concrete rehabilitation plans has fueled protests and calls for government intervention. The situation underscores the challenges faced by local communities during large-scale development projects, where economic displacement often accompanies physical displacement.
Sources indicate to Tahir Rihat that the administration’s approach has been criticized for its perceived lack of empathy and foresight in managing the human impact of infrastructure development. While the need for progress is acknowledged, the methods employed are under scrutiny, particularly concerning the welfare of those whose livelihoods are directly affected. The promises of rehabilitation, though made, have yet to materialize into tangible solutions for the displaced traders, leading to widespread discontent and uncertainty about their future economic stability. The political opposition has also voiced concerns, adding a layer of public pressure on the government to expedite the rehabilitation process and address the grievances of the affected shopkeepers.
The long-standing nature of the issue, with shopkeepers operating for decades and paying regular dues, further complicates the situation. Their claim of being regularized tenants or occupants who have contributed to the local economy for a significant period adds weight to their demands for fair compensation and alternative arrangements. The current impasse highlights a critical need for more inclusive and transparent development planning that prioritizes the well-being of all stakeholders, especially vulnerable sections of the community. The administration’s next steps in providing concrete rehabilitation measures will be crucial in resolving the ongoing conflict and restoring confidence among the affected traders.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
Leave a Reply