Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 13: After the District Administration Jammu ordered closure of several restaurants on the Bypass Sidhra Highway, former minister and senior Congress leader Yogesh Sawhney expressed strong concerns regarding the sudden move.
Speaking on the issue, Sawhney said that if these commercial establishments were constructed on State land, why they were not stopped right during construction. And again the question arises, who allowed such constructions and what action has been taken by Govt against the officers responsible for it.
“Though it is true that there should be no place for illegal constructions and occupations of land, but that shouldn’t be encouraged.However, it seems equally unfair that the settlements are being closed afer they have been up and running for quite some time and after they’ve become favourable destination points for various students and visiting tourists.
Jammu District Administration had ordered closure of around 29 restaurants and eating joints built on state land along Sidhra-Kunjwani Bye Pass road on city outskirts.
He further inquired why was the administration waiting for so long to take any action. If some of these restaurants were constructed on Government land, they should have been intimated to the Adminstration before they constructed by the field staff. These businessmen have been sitting and working there for years. Where was the administration during the time when the construction was going on and they were opening up?
The former minister further added that there has been a culture in Jammu families and youth spending quality time together, having fun of which Sidhra area, along with its restaurants, is a huge part. The area, as is well known, has become a hub for youngsters and others alike to visit and spend good times. Good ambience and restaurants have contributed to the development of the area and small businesses have flourished as a result as well. These restaurants and surrounding areas have very likely become cultural hotspots. Such culture shouldn’t be discouraged, he added.
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