States » NorthPosted at: Oct 11 2026 8:25PM


Mehbooba, Para raise concerns over J&K ‘ease of doing business’ laws

Srinagar, Oct 11 (UNI) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday raised concerns over the Jammu and Kashmir government's new Ease of Doing Business laws, asserting that development should not come at the cost of Kashmir’s agricultural resources, food security and people’s lives
“In the name of development, J&K’s orchards and agricultural land are being opened up for commercial high rises, even as experts warn of catastrophic seismic and liquefaction risks,” Mehbooba said on X.
“This is not development. It is a dangerous betrayal of our land, our food security and our people’s lives. Who will take responsibility when this reckless experiment turns into a disaster?”
She was reacting to party MLA Waheed Para's criticism of the legislation.
Earlier, Para had criticised the new laws introduced by the National Conference-led government, arguing that the measures being presented as ease of doing business could weaken planning regulations and expose residential areas to unregulated commercial activity.
“We opposed the new laws brought in by the J&K government, and I will say why again. They are calling it ease of doing business. Look at what it actually does. Shops and commercial activity can now come up inside residential areas. Only Red and Orange category industries and a few heavy activities like storage, freight, night clubs and liquor shops are kept out. Everything else can open next to your house,” he said.
He also raised concerns over provisions that, according to him, would permit residential buildings up to 24 metres in height and 5,000 square metres in area without conventional floor area ratio (FAR) or coverage limits, subject to certification by a government-approved consultant.
He further alleged that malls of a similar size could be constructed without government approval.
Highlighting Kashmir's vulnerability to floods, Para recalled the devastating 2014 floods and warned that construction affecting drainage systems, wetlands and floodplains could increase risks for residential neighbourhoods.
“Investment is welcome, but not at the cost of people's homes and safety. Planning rules are there to protect us. Remove them, and we pay for it the next time the water rises,” Para said
Few days ago a Kashmir based civil society group- Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC)- had raised concerns over several provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Act, arguing that its emphasis on facilitating investments and entrepreneurship could adversely affect ordinary citizens, the environment, urban planning and local employment.
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Tags: #Mehbooba# Para raise concerns over J&K ‘ease of doing business’ laws
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