8-11-2023 : The decision by the Jammu & Kashmir government to conduct a land audit of industrial estates in the Union Territory marks a significant and strategic move towards transparent governance and efficient resource management. In a bid to streamline and enhance the industrial landscape, the Department of Industries & Commerce has taken proactive steps by constituting two committees, each led by the Joint Director (Development) Industries & Commerce.
The primary objective of these committees is to carry out comprehensive land audits of industrial estates, with a particular focus on two pilot projects—one in Kashmir and the other in Jammu. The chosen industrial estates for the pilot projects are Bari Brahmana in Jammu and Lassipora in Pulwama, Kashmir. These audits aim to assess the current land utilization, infrastructure, and overall efficiency of these industrial estates.
The committees, composed of key officials such as functional managers, industrial promotion officers, block investigators, and Estates Managers from SIDCO and SICOP, have been entrusted with the responsibility of executing the land audits. To ensure a smooth and time-bound process, the panels will collaborate with regional directors of the land division, seeking their support and assistance, including the provision of manpower and machinery.
The Department of Industries & Commerce has set a stringent timeline for the committees to submit their audit reports along with specific recommendations within one month. This demonstrates the urgency and commitment to expeditiously assess and address any issues identified during the land audits.
As per official records, there are currently 67 industrial estates in Jammu & Kashmir developed by SIDCO and SICOP, accommodating a substantial 5294 functioning industrial units. These estates cover an expansive 37,341 kanals of land. Additionally, the Union Territory is actively working on the development of 42 new industrial estates, highlighting the continued efforts towards economic growth and industrial expansion.
The outcome of these land audits is expected to provide valuable insights into the current state of industrial infrastructure, land utilization efficiency, and potential areas for improvement. This information will not only contribute to the effective utilization of existing resources but will also serve as a foundation for future development initiatives in the industrial sector of Jammu & Kashmir.
In essence, this endeavor reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for industrial development, promoting transparency, and ensuring that the Union Territory remains at the forefront of economic progress. The success of these pilot projects and subsequent land audits is anticipated to pave the way for a more robust and efficient industrial ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.