DM Kathua orders immediate removal of encroachments along Lakhanpur-Londi Morh NH stretch

Jammu, Mar 4: District Magistrate, Kathua Rajesh Sharma has ordered the immediate removal of encroachments along National Highway (NH) stretch from Lakhanpur to Londi Morh in the district.

DM Kathua has warned that in case of failure to comply with the instructions, an eviction drive will be carried out to remove encroachments from the National Highway and the cost of demolition will be recovered from the encroachers as arrears of land revenue, in accordance with law. The order has been issued after it has been brought to his (DM’s) notice that the unauthorized structures have come up along the National Highway stretch from Lakhanpur to Londi Morh, falling within the territorial jurisdiction of district Kathua.

“The said stretch forms part of the National Highway maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the land vested to the Authority is meant for public use, smooth flow of traffic and public safety. These encroachments, including temporary and permanent structures, unauthorized stalls, hoardings, debris dumping and other obstructions, are causing traffic congestion, posing serious threats to public safety and hindering maintenance and development works on the highway,” DM Kathua stated.

He asserted that the unauthorized occupation of government or National Highway land constituted a violation of the provisions of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002 and other applicable laws.

“Therefore, in exercise of the powers vested in me under the relevant provisions of law and in the interest of maintaining public order, road safety, and smooth traffic movement, I order all unauthorized occupants and encroachers along the National Highway stretch from Lakhanpur to Londi Morh including parking of vehicles to remove their encroachments immediately,” DM Kathua instructed. He asked the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua to ensure adequate police deployment during the eviction process to maintain law and order.

“The Executive Engineer, NHAI or concerned authority, will demarcate the National Highway land prior to execution of the eviction drive,” DM Kathua Rajesh Sharma ordered. His order has come into force with immediate effect.