Balole Industrial Estate Land Stalled as Encroachments Continue Unchecked

• Industrial Expansion Hit as 285 Kanals Yet to Be Handed Over

JAMMU, Feb 18: The long-pending issue of encroachments at the Balole Industrial Estate in Bari Brahmana has once again come into focus, with official disclosures indicating prolonged administrative delays and limited progress on the ground. Despite repeated communications and formal government orders, a substantial portion of the identified industrial land remains either under encroachment or pending transfer, creating uncertainty for prospective entrepreneurs.

In 2016, around 522 kanals of land adjacent to the Industrial Estate Bari Brahmana were earmarked for development by the J&K State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (SIDCO). The Corporation’s Board of Directors, during its 135th meeting held on August 3, 2017, had directed the authorities to expedite development and operationalise the waiting list of industrial applicants in line with the prevailing Industrial Policy.

Acting on these directions, allotment processes were initiated even before the formal transfer of land from the Revenue Department to the Industries and Commerce Department. Subsequently, following Administrative Council Decision No. 113/09/2023 dated November 25, 2023, and Government Order No. 200-JK(Rev) dated December 1, 2023, the 522 kanals were officially transferred to the Industries and Commerce Department.

However, as informed by the Minister Incharge Industries in response to a question raised by MLA Chander Prakash in the Legislative Assembly, only 236 kanals and 10 marlas out of the total land were formally handed over to SIDCO at Balole for further allotment. More concerning is that physical possession has reportedly been taken of only 86 kanals and 10 marlas. Of the 236 kanals and 10 marlas transferred, nearly 150 kanals continue to remain under encroachment.

The Government has acknowledged in its reply that encroachers are still present on the site, which has impeded SIDCO from proceeding with further allotments and development. The situation has also been described as posing potential law and order concerns. Meanwhile, 37 industrial units that received clearance from the Single Window Clearance Committee have already deposited 100 per cent of the land premium and are awaiting full possession and execution of lease deeds.

In addition, the remaining 285.5 kanals are yet to be handed over by the Revenue authorities to the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Jammu, despite formal orders. Official records indicate that SIDCO has written multiple times to the Deputy Commissioner, Samba, seeking eviction of encroachers and intervention from the District Magistrate. However, the encroachments persist.

The prolonged delay has stalled expansion plans in one of Jammu’s most vital industrial corridors. Entrepreneurs who had invested in anticipation of timely possession now face mounting project costs and uncertainty over implementation timelines. Industrial stakeholders have raised concerns over the absence of a defined schedule for clearing encroachments and completing the transfer process.

While the Government has stated that further allotments will be made once the land is handed over and cleared, no specific deadline has been provided. With over 285 kanals still pending transfer and 150 kanals under illegal occupation, questions regarding accountability and enforcement continue to surface.

Bari Brahmana, often regarded as a key driver of industrial growth in the region, was expected to symbolise accelerated economic development. However, until encroachments are removed and full possession is secured, the objective of strengthening industrial infrastructure and promoting ease of doing business in the region may remain a work in progress.