Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Sunday demolished what it said were “unsafe and dilapidated shops at Parade Sabzi Mandi” under its “major safety and clearance drive paving the way for the immediate commencement of its redevelopment and renovation works”.
However, the drive triggered protests from affected vendors and traders, who decried the move claiming that the demolition was conducted although negotiations were going on. Police and paramilitary forces’ personnel accompanied JMC officials during the drive.
No arrangements were made for relocating the affected traders before demolishing their kiosks, they alleged. They asserted that they were not opposing the redevelopment project, but it should not be done in an irrational manner.
They alleged that they were not served prior notices and they could not remove their goods from the closed kiosks due to a sudden demolition drive conducted on Sunday. Few shopkeepers alleged that they had brought stay orders from the court, but they were not honoured by the JMC.
The affected vendors and traders sought compensation from JMC for the losses they incurred due to the sudden drive.
Meanwhile, the officials stated that the initiative was undertaken under the directions of JMC Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav, with the objective of effectively redeveloping the vegetable market, improving its infrastructure and ensuring a safer and more organised environment for vendors, shoppers and the general public.
The foundation stone for the Rs 5.88 Cr redevelopment project was laid on June 22, 2026, by the MLA, Jammu East, in the presence of senior officials of Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) and the Jammu Municipal Corporation.
“Although active civil works were temporarily affected due to the ongoing monsoon season, the JMC accorded priority to the dismantling and removal of hazardous and structurally unsafe shops in the area. The step has been taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives and property of shopkeepers, visitors and the general public, particularly in view of the risks posed by heavy rainfall and potential structural collapses,” the officials mentioned.
“With the unsafe structures now being cleared, the JMC has paved the way for the next phase of the project. Civil and redevelopment works at Parade Sabzi Mandi will commence immediately as weather conditions become conducive,” they added.
