Srinagar, Feb 17: The Government on Tuesday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that more than 17.27 lakh kanals of State land have been encroached upon across the Union Territory, out of which over 14.29 lakh kanals have been successfully retrieved so far.
The information was provided by the Revenue Department in response to a question tabled by MLA Sham Lal Sharma during the ongoing Budget Session of the House.
According to the official figures placed before the Assembly, a total of 17,27,248.16 kanals of State land were found under encroachment across Jammu and Kashmir. Of this, 14,29,200.42 kanals have been retrieved by the authorities through various eviction drives and anti-encroachment measures.
In the Kashmir division, 3,27,198.50 kanals of State land were reported to be encroached. The Government informed that 2,16,912.98 kanals have been recovered so far, while the remaining land is still under encroachment and subject to further action as per law.
In the Jammu division, the extent of encroached State land was reported to be significantly higher, at 14,00,049.66 kanals. Out of this, 12,12,287.44 kanals have been retrieved by the administration.
The Revenue Department said that efforts are ongoing to remove remaining encroachments and reclaim State land in accordance with established legal procedures. It added that district administrations have been directed to intensify anti-encroachment drives and ensure protection of public land from illegal occupation.
The disclosure assumes significance amid continued focus on safeguarding government land and ensuring its proper utilisation for public purposes. The Government reiterated its commitment to continue action against encroachments and to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent fresh illegal occupations across the Union Territory.
