16,000+ Kanals of JDA Land Encroached, Reveals CM Omar Abdullah
Phased eviction drives underway as government intensifies action against encroachments in Jammu
JAMMU, April 2: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday revealed that a significant portion of land under the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) is currently under illegal occupation, with authorities initiating systematic efforts to reclaim it.
Responding to a query raised by BJP MLA Dr. Narinder Singh Raina in the Assembly, the Chief Minister informed that the JDA oversees a total of 80,976 kanals and 10 marlas of land. Out of this, 16,127 kanals and 10 marlas have been identified as encroached.
He stated that the identification of such encroachments is carried out through regular field inspections, supported by records maintained by the Revenue Department. The administration has been actively issuing notices to unauthorized occupants under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act.
The Chief Minister further said that eviction and demolition operations are being conducted in coordination with district authorities and law enforcement agencies. These actions are part of a phased and time-bound strategy to ensure lawful recovery of public land.
Highlighting preventive measures, Abdullah noted that continuous monitoring and inspections are in place to curb fresh encroachments. He also clarified that the JDA does not classify encroachers based on categories such as political figures, officials, or private entities. Instead, records are maintained based on specific land parcels and locations.
He emphasized that all actions are being carried out strictly within the legal framework to maintain transparency and uphold accountability in the process.
