Over 4 Lakh Kanals of State and Kahcharai Land Under Illegal Occupation in J&K, Reveals Government

Jammu, April 8:  The Jammu and Kashmir government has disclosed that a massive chunk of state-owned and kahcharai (grazing) land—measuring over 4.28 lakh kanals and 13 marlas—is currently under illegal occupation across the Union Territory. The revelation was made in response to a query raised by MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah during the Assembly proceedings on Tuesday.

According to the minister in charge, the government has initiated stringent and systematic efforts to reclaim these illegally occupied lands. As part of these measures, all land records showing entries in the names of unauthorized occupants have been expunged. The administration is actively conducting special eviction drives to clear encroachments and restore public land to its rightful status.

In addition to the eviction campaigns, the government is also promoting regulated land use through legal channels. The minister informed the House that a total of 3,555 cases have been approved for land use change under proper guidelines. These permissions cover land intended for commercial, industrial, and residential purposes, contributing to planned development across J&K.

Further highlighting the structured use of government land, the minister stated that 40,151 kanals and 17.5 marlas have been formally transferred to the Industries and Commerce Department for economic and infrastructure growth in the region. Notably, in the tourism hub of Gulmarg, 94 kanals have been allocated—comprising 50 kanals in Hardubani village and 44 kanals in Lalpora village.