Uncertainty looms over fate of Narwal F&V Market as lease extension decision still pending
Vikas Sharma
JAMMU, Apr 2: The future of 165 shops in Jammu’s Narwal Fruit and Vegetable Market remained uncertain as the Jammu and Kashmir Government has yet to decide on extending the lease period for these establishments.
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The prolonged delay in resolving the issue has left traders in a state of anxiety, with some already operating on expired leases and others nearing expiration.
The market, a vital hub for fresh produce in the region, now faces an existential crisis, with traders demanding clarity from the authorities.
Established in the early 1980s by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), the Narwal market has been a bustling center for fruit and vegetable trade for over four decades. The market comprises 58 shops allocated to vegetable traders and 107 to fruit traders, supporting hundreds of livelihoods.
However, in 2008-09, administrative control of the market was transferred to the Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department, though the JDA retained ownership of the land.
Despite the shift in management, the JDA remains the authority responsible for lease extensions, as it was the original signatory in the lease agreements.
Sources revealed that the initial leases were granted for a 40-year term, with the understanding that they would be renewed upon expiration. However, as the end of the lease period approached, the Government failed to take a definitive stance, leaving traders in limbo.
By 2022, many traders found themselves operating on expired leases, while others were rapidly approaching the end of their terms. The lack of clarity has caused significant distress, with traders unable to access Government schemes or make long-term business decisions.
“The lease extension issue has been hanging in limbo for years, causing immense stress for traders like us,” said a local shop owner.
“We are unable to avail loans or benefits under Government schemes, which has further strained our financial stability,” he added.
The uncertainty has also deterred potential investments in the market, as traders hesitate to renovate or expand their shops without assurance of continued operations. Many fear that if the leases are not renewed, they could lose their businesses overnight.
In May 2024, a high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department, to address the issue.
The meeting concluded that the JDA would take necessary steps to extend the leases, with the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs being consulted to ensure legal validity.
However, months have passed since the meeting and no concrete decision has been communicated to the traders. While officials claimed the process is underway, the lack of urgency has frustrated market stakeholders.
Despite the uncertainty, traders continued their daily operations, with no immediate disruptions to business.
However, the temporary relief does little to ease their concerns about the long-term stability of their livelihoods.
The original lease deed permits renewal after expiration, but the final decision rests with the Government. Traders argue that given their decades of service to the market and the local economy, the administration should prioritize resolving the matter swiftly.
As the delay persists, the fate of the Narwal Fruit and Vegetable Market hangs in the balance.
Traders, many of whom have spent their entire careers in the market are now left questioning whether they will be allowed to continue their trade.
“Our families depend on this market,” said another trader and added, “We urge the Government to make a decision soon so that we can plan for the future.”
With livelihoods at stake, the traders are hopeful that the administration will act promptly to extend the leases, ensuring both legal security and financial stability for the market’s stakeholders.
Until then, the uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over one of Jammu’s most important trading hubs.
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