Public Outraged as New Model High School Bishnah Constructs Massive Structure Without Permission; Questions Mount Over JDA’s Silence During Construction and Accountability of Lower Staff
- The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) sealed a five-story unauthorized building of New Model High School Bishnah only after the complainant escalated the matter directly to the Chief Minister’s grievance cell, highlighting a critical failure in local enforcement and accountability.
- Despite the JDA Vice Chairman, Rupesh Kumar, being praised for his work, the public demands stern action against lower-level JDA officials who allegedly ignored repeated complaints and allowed the massive illegal structure to be built, raising suspicions of a nexus or gross negligence.
- The incident raises critical questions about where the JDA was during the construction of a five-story building without permission, implying either gross negligence or complicity by officials who allegedly overlooked repeated complaints from the social activist.
MOHIT MEHRA
Jammu, November 15, 2025: A shocking case of alleged administrative inaction and suspected connivance has come to light in Bishnah, where the New Model High School brazenly constructed a five-story building without any official permission or adherence to building norms. The Jammu Development Authority (JDA), the primary enforcement body, only sprang into action to seal the illegal structure after the persistent complainant was forced to escalate the matter directly to the Chief Minister’s grievance cell. This glaring delay has ignited public outrage, sparking widespread demands for immediate action against the delinquent officials and a comprehensive statement from the JDA.
The complainant, Hindu Bhushan S/o Late Sh. Raghunath Dass Gupta, a social activist from Chak Avtara Bishnah, while talking to Jammu Jottings, revealed that he had been “regularly complaining to the JDA” about the unauthorized construction. However, when his pleas went unheeded, he lodged a formal application with the Chief Minister (UT of J&K) through the official grievance cell. In his detailed application, Hindu Bhushan highlighted that the private educational institution had “raised a five-storied building within Bishnah jurisdiction” in clear violation of Municipal/JDA norms, Master Plan provisions, and Building Bye-laws. He underscored that educational institutions are not permitted to construct such high-rise structures without due sanction and safety clearances, pointing out that the construction was completed “without mandatory approval from the Jammu Development Authority, Revenue Department, or any competent body, thereby posing a grave risk to the lives of hundreds of students and nearby residents.”
The most pressing question now echoing across the region is: Where was the JDA before the applicant was forced to reach the Chief Minister directly through the official grievance cell? Did JDA officials not observe how a massive five-story building was being constructed without any permission? Was the concerned official or officials “sleeping” while this unauthorized, five-stories-high structure was being erected, flouting all rules?
The complainant’s allegations are damning: “If this building is against their Master Plan, and they even issued a notice, how could such a large building be completed without the collusion of JDA employees?” He asserted that the level of corruption is evident, as the illegal construction proceeded without any initiative from officials to stop it or direct school authorities to adhere to norms. He also noted that SDM South, Tehsildar Bishnah, and other dignitaries regularly pass by the school on the main road and were apprised of the illegality, yet “none sent even a single notice for stopping the illegal construction.”
When Jammu Jottings tried to contact the concerned Tehsildar for comments. twice, he did not pick the call.
Local residents are now openly wondering and demanding immediate action against the responsible officials. They praised the JDA Vice Chairman, Rupesh Kumar, acknowledging his good work, but strongly stated that “his lower staff are misguiding him and not informing him correctly.” Citizens are calling for a stern action against such negligent or compromised lower-level officials and “set an example so that no one dares to engage in illegal activities within JDA’s jurisdiction henceforth.”
The applicant’s grievance letter, copied to top officials including the Chief Secretary, Commissioner Secretary Revenue Department, Commissioner Secretary J&K Housing and Urban Development, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, and the Vice Chairman of JDA, urged an “immediate enquiry into the matter,” strict action against violators, and personal monitoring of the enquiry against “delinquent officials who omit to did their duty so that illegal may be prevented before it become lethal to the society.” The construction not only violates the law but also raises serious safety, fire, and public health concerns for the hundreds of children studying in what Hindu Bhushan termed not a “temple for children” but a “business entity” compromising young lives for personal benefits. The public now awaits a swift and transparent response from the JDA regarding who will be held accountable for this scandalous lapse.
