Housing Deptt notification draws flak

Srinagar, June 27: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has raised concerns over a recent notification issued by the Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Department of  Jammu & Kashmir Government.

In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary, the EPG expressed astonishment over Notification No: OM dated June 3, 2024, which pertains to TDR policies. The group highlighted that they were informed about the notification only yesterday, by which time the deadline for filing responses and objections had already passed.

Dr M M Shuja, Co-Convenor of the EPG, stated, "The initiative and outreach to the public are basic requirements and cannot be overlooked."

“The Environmental Policy Group( EPG) has only yesterday come to learn about the above subject notification. Astonishingly the date for filing response/objections has already expired. The enactment of legislation or bringing in amendments is within the prerogative of the Government. However, a proper and adequate process of providing opportunities for public consultation on the proposed government policies regarding TDR have left much to be desired. The initiative and outreach to the public are basic requirements and cannot be done away with.”