Archive · 11 Oct 2026
PDP Leader Warns EoDB Law Could Commercialize Residential Areas
Waheed Para is a politician in Jammu and Kashmir.
He says a new business law could make it easier to build large buildings in places where people live.
He says some buildings could be built without regular government approval if a certified consultant signs off.
Para worries that shops and malls could change quiet neighbourhoods.
He also says building over wetlands or blocking drains could make flooding worse.
He pointed to the region’s experience with the 2014 floods.
The law passed the assembly by a majority vote.
Para says investment is good, but people’s homes and safety should be protected.
PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Para criticized Jammu and Kashmir’s Ease of Doing Business law, which passed the assembly by majority vote.
Para said residential buildings up to 24 metres high and 5,000 square metres could be built without Floor Area Ratio or coverage limits.
He said malls of the same size could proceed without government approval if a government-approved consultant certifies them.
Para warned that commercial development could worsen flooding risks by choking drains and building over wetlands and floodplains.
He said investment is welcome but should not come at the expense of residents’ safety and homes.
- Who
- PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Para criticized the law introduced by the National Conference government.
- What
- Para warned that the Ease of Doing Business law could allow commercial development in residential areas with limited government approval.
- When
- Sunday, October 11; the article does not state the year of Para’s remarks.
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir, with Para discussing risks to neighbourhoods in Kashmir.
- Why
- Para said the law could endanger homes, neighbourhoods, the environment, and flood protection.
Para’s objections
Government’s stated rationale
Development and neighbourhood safety
Para’s objections
Para said the law could enable commercial activity in residential areas and put homes, neighbourhoods, and flood protection at risk.
Government’s stated rationale
The article identifies the legislation as an Ease of Doing Business measure brought by the National Conference government, but does not provide the government’s response to Para’s criticism.
Investment and safeguards
Para’s objections
Para said investment is welcome but should not come at the cost of people’s safety, and argued that planning rules protect residents.
Government’s stated rationale
The article does not include a government statement explaining how the law balances investment with planning safeguards.
- Law
- Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business law
- Legislative status
- Passed by majority vote in the assembly
- Building dimensions cited
- Up to 24 metres high and 5,000 square metres in area
- Approval mechanism cited
- Para said a government-approved consultant’s certificate could allow malls of the same size without government approval.
- Flooding concern
- Para linked development over wetlands and floodplains and blocked drains with greater flood risk.
- Previous flood reference
- The 2014 floods