Development Stalled: Encroachment Hinders Industrial Growth in Samba

The Jammu and Kashmir government faces hurdles in boosting industrial development in Samba district as a substantial portion of the identified land remains in limbo. Of the 436 kanals surveyed for industrial purposes, 150 remain under encroachment, hindering development.

In his response to BJP MLA Chander Prakash Ganga, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary outlined the land allocation complexities. Originally, 522 kanals were slated for development by the J&K State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCO), but only 236 kanals were formally transferred.

With only 86 kanals in SIDCO's physical possession, the remaining encroachment is causing law and order challenges. While 37 industrial units have been allocated land, the transfer of the remaining 285.5 kanals is vital for expanding the industrial estate.