HC stayed process of regularisation of illegal colonies: CM

Jammu, Feb 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday informed the House that the High Court had stayed the process of regularisation of illegal colonies in Jammu.

ìThe process of regularisation of residential colonies in Jammu was initiated and 31 colonies have already been regularised by JDA. However, later on the said process was stayed by the High Court in CMA No 176/2014, WPPIL No 19/2011,î CM Omar said, in a written reply to a question of BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma in the Legislative Assembly, regarding regularisation of residential colonies.

Regarding the governmentís intention to establish new colonies and the norms in vogue for the purpose, the Chief Minister responded in affirmative.

ìAfter allotment of land, colonies are to be developed either on self-financing mode or PPP mode by JDA (Jammu Development Authority) or SDA (Srinagar Development Authority) or JKHB (J&K Housing Board), after taking their board approval,î he said.

The Chief Minister rejected the contention that any permission was granted in violation of norms vis-‡-vis construction of commercial establishments in the residential areas of Jammu.

ìIn approximately 39 cases, it has been reported that defaulters have converted residential building into commercial establishments within the limits of Jammu Municipal Corporation from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 and JMC has taken action against theses defaulters under Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 and building bye-laws,î CM Omar said.

Giving an account of the regularised colonies, the CM saud that the regularisation of colonies was as per the Government orders 312-C of 1974 dated 15-05-1974; 150-UD of 1998 dated 02-04-1998; 89 of 2005 dated 18-03-2005; 208 UD of 1989 dated 16-08-1989; JDA/LS/1063-65 dated 25-03-1996; JDA/LS/31-35 dated 05-05-2000; JDA/DLM/Reg/996-1002 dated 24-04-2006; 88 UD of 2005 dated 18-03-2005; 122-UD of 2009 dated 24-04-2009; court Order no OWP-893/07 dated 9-03-2010.

With respect to a specific query about Janipur Housing Colony, CM Omar informed the House that it was established in 1973 and developed by the JDA.

ìPlots have been properly allotted and no regularisation is required,î he said.

The CM is the in-charge Minister for Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD).