The disclosure in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that a staggering Rs 18,000 crore worth of State land remains under illegal encroachment is both alarming and unsurprising. The magnitude of encroachment-over 2.15 lakh acres-paints a grim picture of administrative neglect and political complicity over the years. While the Government has reclaimed a significant portion, approximately 1.92 lakh acres, there is still a long way to go in retrieving the remaining land. More concerning is the statement by BJP MLA highlighting the reallocation of retrieved land to new encroachers, which underscores the deep-rooted nexus between land grabbers and sections of the administration. It is particularly disturbing that while the common man struggles to obtain Change of Land Use certificates for small residential plots, influential individuals have managed to encroach upon Government land to build commercial complexes and banquet halls. This stark contrast between the privileged few and ordinary citizens reflects a serious lapse in governance and calls for immediate corrective measures.
The demand for a clear timeframe for eviction is justified. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve to know when and how the Government intends to act decisively against encroachers. Accountability must extend beyond the illegal occupants to include officials who have either turned a blind eye or facilitated these encroachments. The Government’s policy of allotting reclaimed land to landless individuals in five-marla plots is a step in the right direction. However, this policy must be implemented with utmost transparency to prevent further misappropriation. Additionally, there must be a clear demarcation between land designated for residential, industrial, and commercial purposes. The data provided on land conversions in Kathua, Jasrota, and Samba highlights the pressing need for a regulated approach to prevent arbitrary land transfers. Encroachment of public land is not just a legal issue but a question of equity and governance. It deprives legitimate stakeholders, including landless citizens and industries, of their rightful access to resources. The Government’s assurances must translate into firm actions, with strict penalties for encroachers and erring officials alike.
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