Over 17 Lakh Kanals of State Land Under Encroachment in Jammu Kashmir | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Official data has revealed that more than 17 lakh kanals of state land are under encroachment across Jammu and Kashmir, with the Jammu division accounting for over 14 lakh kanals and the Kashmir division over 3 lakh kanals.

According to figures placed in the public domain, entries relating to approximately 17,27,247 kanals of encroached state land have been expunged from revenue records across the Union Territory. Jammu division alone accounts for around 14,00,051 kanals and five marlas, while Kashmir division records nearly 3,27,199 kanals.

The data indicates significant regional variation, with seven districts in Jammu division reporting over one lakh kanals of encroached land each. Rajouri is the worst affected district, with 2,73,848 kanals and 12 marlas of state land under alleged illegal occupation.

Reasi follows with 2,26,857 kanals and six marlas, while Ramban records 1,73,832 kanals. Jammu district accounts for 1,45,487 kanals and six marlas, Kathua 1,30,403 kanals and 1.5 marlas, Udhampur 1,19,822 kanals and eight marlas, and Poonch 1,11,133 kanals and 16 marlas.

In Kashmir division, Baramulla reports the highest figure with 81,327.65 kanals, followed by Kupwara with 52,698.1 kanals and Pulwama with 42,730.8 kanals. Anantnag records 36,984 kanals, Budgam 21,775.55 kanals, Bandipora 20,925.65 kanals, Shopian 19,034.85 kanals, Ganderbal 19,005.2 kanals, Kulgam 18,853.75 kanals, and Srinagar 13,862.95 kanals.

The figures also highlight a sharp contrast between the two capital districts, with Jammu recording more than ten times the encroached state land compared to Srinagar.

The data was disclosed in response to a query seeking details of encroachment on state, central government, and JDA lands, along with measures taken to retrieve and regularise such properties.

Authorities stated that illegal entries relating to encroached government land have been expunged from revenue records in several districts across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNC)