Over 4 Lakh Kanals of State and Kahcharai Land Under Illegal Occupation in J&K: Govt
Eviction Drives Underway; Land Use Changed for Over 3,500 Cases, Says Minister
Jammu, Apr 9: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday disclosed that over 4.28 lakh Kanals and 13 Marlas of state and kahcharai (grazing) land remain under unauthorized occupation across the Union Territory.
The revelation came during a session of the J&K Legislative Assembly in response to a question posed by MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah. The Minister In-charge said the administration has launched a multi-pronged approach to tackle land encroachments and recover government property from illegal possession.
“All revenue entries in the names of unauthorized occupants have been removed,” the minister said, adding that dedicated eviction campaigns are being carried out on a regular basis to reclaim encroached land.
In addition to eviction efforts, the government has approved 3,555 cases of land use conversion under official provisions. These approvals cover land designated for commercial, industrial, and residential projects, the minister informed the House.
As part of broader land reforms, 40,151 Kanals and 17.5 Marlas of land have been officially transferred to the Industries and Commerce Department across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir to promote economic development.
The minister also highlighted specific transfers in Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination, where 94 Kanals of land have been allocated—50 Kanals in Hardubani village and 44 Kanals in Lalpora village—for developmental initiatives. [KNT]
