Jammu Development Authority Battles Land Encroachment

Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah revealed on Thursday that more than 16,000 kanals of land managed by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) have been illegally occupied. He elaborated on the efforts underway to reclaim this land, emphasizing a phased and legally compliant approach.

Land in Jammu and Kashmir is traditionally measured in kanals and marlas. One kanal equals 20 marlas or about 5,445 square feet. Abdullah assured coordinated eviction efforts with the district administration and police under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act.

Meticulous inspections are conducted to identify encroachments, with regular field checks to deter further illegal occupations. However, specific details about the encroachers are not maintained by the JDA, as records are kept by location rather than personal or organizational categories, ensuring transparency and accountability.