Kashmir Records More House Demolitions Than Jammu, Govt Tells Assembly | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: More than 1,200 residential and commercial structures have been demolished across Jammu and Kashmir since October 2024, with the Kashmir division accounting for a significantly higher number of actions than Jammu, the government informed the Legislative Assembly.

In a written reply to a starred question tabled by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, the Housing and Urban Development Department provided district-wise details of demolitions carried out by various civic bodies, development authorities and revenue officials as part of anti-encroachment and unauthorised construction drives.

The data shows that the majority of demolitions took place in Srinagar district alone.

In Srinagar, a total of 1,088 structures were demolished, including 1,014 residential and 74 commercial buildings. Of these, 632 were removed by the JK Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), seven by the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), and 449 by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).

Other Kashmir districts also reported demolitions. Bandipora recorded 102 demolitions carried out by Urban Local Bodies. Anantnag saw 10 commercial structures removed by the Pahalgam Development Authority, while Budgam recorded two demolitions and Baramulla and Kupwara one each. Shopian reported two demolitions, and Kulgam one.

By contrast, the Jammu division reported relatively fewer cases.

In Jammu district, a total of 237 structures were demolished, including 162 residential and 75 commercial buildings. The demolitions were ordered by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Jammu Development Authority (JDA), Jammu Industrial Development Authority (JIDA), and revenue authorities.

Kathua recorded seven demolitions, Udhampur three, and Ramban 19 structures, mostly linked to action by the National Highways Authority of India.

Responding to queries on procedure, the government said all demolitions were conducted in accordance with the law. It stated that encroachments are removed under the provisions of the JK Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988, and other relevant statutes, while unauthorised constructions are dealt with under the Control of Building Operations (COBO) Act.

The department said notices are issued, adequate time is provided to the occupants, and due process is followed before sealing or demolition. Anti-encroachment drives are conducted on a regular basis.

On why such structures were allowed to come up in the first place, the government said no construction is permitted without approval. However, delays occur due to factors such as legal interventions, lack of timely police assistance, construction during odd hours, and deviations from sanctioned plans.

The government also clarified that due procedure was followed in the case of the demolition of a house allegedly linked to journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing. It said notices under relevant sections of the Public Premises Act were served, and after verification with revenue authorities, the demolition was carried out. The reply noted that the individual had submitted a written statement stating he had no connection with the land or property.

On the question of compensation or allotment of land to affected families, the government ruled out any such proposal, stating that no compensation or free land would be provided.